Analyzing the Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Spirit among Agricultural Extension and Education Post-Graduate Students

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting entrepreneurial spirit of agricultural post-graduate students. The statistical population of the study was the students of agricultural extension and education field from both Bu-Ali Sina and Razi Universities (N=180). Totally 120 samples were selected by the Kerjcie and Morgan formula, randomly. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire which its face validity was approved by a group of experts. For assessing reliability of the questionnaire, the questionnaire was first given to 30 students, then a Cronbach's Alpha test used and it was from 0.68 to 0.89 for different parts of the questions. Results from factor analysis method among 19 factors indicated that these factors can be grouped into five major components that they can determine 73 percent of the student's entrepreneurial spirit. These factors include: importance and value of entrepreneurship within society and university, using practical experiences and modern methods for entrepreneurship education, developing entrepreneurship course at universities, government supports, and relevant entrepreneurship issues compatible to needs of the labor market. Finally, results which were emerged using LISREL software, the mentioned factors were tested and verified in order to draw a model.