Can less be more? Mentoring functions, learning goal orientation, and novice entrepreneurs’ self-efficacy

Abstract

One of the main goals of entrepreneurial mentoring programs is to strengthen the mentees' selfefficacy. However, the conditions in which entrepreneurial self-efficacy is developed through mentoring are not yet fully explored. This article tests the combined effects of mentee's learning goal orientation and perceived similarity with the mentor and demonstrates the role of these two variables in mentoring relationships. Design The current study is based on a sample of three hundred and sixty (360) novice Canadian entrepreneurs who completed an online questionnaire. We used a cross-sectional analysis as research design. Findings Findings indicate that the development of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) is optimal when mentees present low levels of learning goal orientation (LGO) and perceive high similarities between their mentor and themselves. Mentees with high LGO decreased their level of ESE with more in-depth mentoring received. Limitation This study investigated a formal mentoring program with volunteer (unpaid) mentors. Generalization to informal mentoring relationships needs to be tested. Practical implication/value The study shows that, in order to effectively develop self-efficacy in a mentoring situation, learning goal orientation (LGO) should be taken into account. Mentors can be trained to modify mentees' LGO to increase their impact on this mindset and mentees' entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Originality/value This is the first empirical study that demonstrates the effects of mentoring on entrepreneurial selfefficacy and reveals a triple moderating effect of LGO and perceived similarity in mentoring relationships.

The impact of social dominance orientation on female entrepreneurial intention

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Internationalization as a strategy for small and medium‐sized enterprises and the impact of regulatory environment: An emerging country perspective

“…This study extends our knowledge about salient regulatory obstacles to involve in international business particularly for SMEs in emerging economies. There are some support services to encourage entrepreneurship development (St‐Jean, Radu‐Lefebvre, & Mathieu, ). As noted in World Trade Organization (), if policymakers concentrate on easing regulatory barriers and opportunities are given for entering a foreign market, SMEs tend to respond more swiftly and flexibly than large firms and can play a vital role in creating new exports.…”

Career Functions Performed by Mentors of Millennial Generation Entrepreneurs

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“…[28] Mentoring can lead to better business performance. [4,29] Yusuf examined the effectiveness of support to new businesses and found outside assistance improved the chances of a start-up successfully transitioning to an operating firm. [30] Futurpreneur Canada offers a mentoring program, in line with these findings, by providing mentors who provide on the job support to entrepreneurs while they run their businesses.…”

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