Exploring entrepreneurial intention’s mediating role in the relationship between self-efficacy and nascent behaviour

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of entrepreneurial intention (EI) in relation to the influence of the five dimensions of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) on nascent behaviour. Design/methodology/approach The study relies on a quantitative approach where primary data were collected from 294 final year undergraduate students at a public university in Zambia. The data were examined by using correlation, logistic regression and mediation analyses. Findings The findings indicate that each of the five dimensions of ESE is positively and significantly related with EI. Additionally, each of the ESE dimensions, except the financial aspect, is positively correlated with nascent behaviour. Finally, the results show that the influence of ESE dimensions on nascent behaviour is significantly mediated by intention. Research limitations/implications The study took place in a public university in Zambia; more universities could be involved to improve the generalisability of the study conclusions. Practical implications The study shows that the five ESE dimensions positively influence not only business start-up intention but also nascent behaviour. To motivate graduates’ involvement in business start-up, there is a need to tailor training and practical pedagogical approaches on entrepreneurship that are focussed on developing the five ESE dimensions. Originality/value This paper extends an emerging body of knowledge which has not been fully investigated in terms of the mediating role of intention on the relationships between dimensions of ESE and nascent behaviour. The study also makes a valuable contribution to the under-researched context of Zambia and African entrepreneurship.

Does CSR Enhance Young Bank Customers’ Satisfaction and Loyalty in a Developing Economy? The Mediating Role of Trust

“…This response rate is impressive and confirms Saunders and Lewis' (2012) argument that the face-to-face approach is usually associated with high response rate. The response rate is also comparable to previous student research studies (e.g., Mwiya et al, 2018). The sample profile is given in table 1 below.…”

“…The majority of the respondents were aged between 21 and 25. The average age of between 21 and 25 in the sample is typical of university students in Zambia (Mwiya, et al, 2018). 46% of the respondents were from the School of Business while School of Natural Resources had the least respondents (4%).…”

“…The instrument also included questions that sought demographic information such as age, gender, the program the student is enrolled in, and the name of the bank that the student participant mostly used. In fact, age and gender were used as control variables in line with previous studies (e.g., Mwiya et al, 2018). Age was log transformed while gender was measured as a dichotomous variable coded such that 1 was for female and 2 male.…”

The Analysis of the Effect of Entrepreneurship Education, Perceived Desirability, and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy on University Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention

“…[25] Finally, intention can predict individual behavior, so understanding the factors forming EI will provide insight into the process of business creation (Galanakis, and Giourka, 2017). [26] Thus, an intention-based model offers a lot of entrepreneurial research because entrepreneurial activity is planned behavior and the intended understanding can help detect potential actions.…”

“…Similarly, Tsai et al (2016) found that individual attitudes towards entrepreneurship influenced the relationship between ESE and EI. ESE is positively and significantly related to EI (Bruce, et al, (2018). [72] Therefore, the hypothesis proposed is:  H 5 : Entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) influences entrepreneurial intentions (EI)…”