Intent as an entrepreneurial facilitator

Entrepreneurial intent refers to activities whereby individuals focus on achieving entrepreneurial outcomes. In this study, we examine intent as an indicator of entrepreneurial orientation in franchise systems. The objective is to identify the prevalence of entrepreneurial orientation in two competitive franchise systems in the entertainment industry, one a large independent system, the other a subsidiary of a large corporate. A survey approach was administered across the two systems, representing 245 franchised outlets. Inferential statistics identify the large independent system as significantly entrepreneurial, and the corporate system as not portraying a significant entrepreneurial orientation. We conclude that reasons for the findings are predominantly associated with the intent of the franchisor, coupled with the entrepreneurial activites associated to the franchisor.