Identification and Ranking of Educational-behavioral Indicators in Entrepreneurship Counseling based on Choice Theory Using Interpretive Structural Model

The aim of present study was to identify the behavioral-educational index of entrepreneurial counseling based on choice theory and to examine the importance and priority of each of the behavioral-educational indicators based on choice theory. The statistical population of this study included educational-behavioral entrepreneurship experts and those were familiar with the theory of selection in counseling, and also in order to collect information, a questionnaire was used to rank the behavioral-educational indicators of entrepreneurship in counseling. In this study, 17 behavioral-educational indicators affecting entrepreneurial counseling were identified according to studies and the research literature. Then, the most important indexes were ranked using interpretive structural modeling. According to findings of the present study, independence, self-confidence, tolerance of ambiguity, mastery, creativity, optimism, leadership, profitability, intuition, self-esteem, determination, internal control, risk-taking, Accountability, interpersonal communication skills, belonging, and the need for success were considered as important factors in entrepreneurship. The outcomes also showed that the indicators influencing the behavioral-educational dimension were Independence level (autonomy): indicators that had the least dependence and the power of influence on other indicators; Dependence level: indicators that were highly dependent on other indicators, but had little influence; Link (non-dependence): indicators that had a two-way relationship with other indicators. Therefore, the indicators of desired independence and interpersonal skills were the most important indicators affecting entrepreneurial counseling that should be considered and emphasized in the first step in the counseling services based on the choice theory.