The effect of proximal personality traits on entrepreneurial intention among higher education students

Abstract

Purpose According to the literature, general personality traits are less strongly related to the creation of new ventures than specific/proximal personality traits. Therefore, this study aims to understand the different proximal personalities that influence the entrepreneurial intention to start a new venture and the relationship between them. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire filled in by students of entrepreneurship or related courses at the end of the second semester (2019/2020 academic year), and the research option is based on covariance-based structural equation modelling. Findings The results of this study show that entrepreneurial intentions can be predicted by specific individual traits, namely, risk-taking, entrepreneurial alertness, creativity, proactivity and self-efficacy. Moreover, it was found that risk-taking mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial alertness and proactivity. On the other hand, students’ creativity mediates the relationship between risk-taking and proactivity. Finally, students’ self-efficacy mediates the relationship between proactiveness and entrepreneurial intention. Practical implications The results have implications for entrepreneurship education given that a better understanding of the personality traits that influence entrepreneurial intentions can lead to the development of new approaches and pedagogical tools. Originality/value This model can be used as a diagnostic tool for designing an effective and efficient entrepreneurship curriculum and pedagogy, acting as an (ongoing) audit of students’ entrepreneurial intentions to get a scientific basis in case of further course/module adjustments.

Exploring the mediating effect of personality traits in the relationship between entrepreneurial intentions and academic performance among students

“…These factors include personal characteristics such as gender, age, prior experience with entrepreneurship, and environmental factors such as social norms, cultural values, and economic conditions [23]. Personal characteristics such as self-efficacy, risk-taking propensity, and innovativeness positively related to entrepreneurial intention among university students [24]. Similarly, exposure to entrepreneurship education and prior entrepreneurial experience positively related to entrepreneurial intention among university students [25].…”

The moderating effect of entrepreneurial motivation on the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and behaviour: An extension of the theory of planned behaviour on emerging economy

“…Entrepreneurs are viewed as individuals who foster economic growth by generating and implementing innovative ideas into successful business enterprises ( Turker and SonmezSelcuk, 2009 , Voutsina, Papagiannakis and Lioukas, 2022 ). The growth of entrepreneurship is crucial for generating job opportunities, promoting innovation, and improving the overall efficiency of various economic sectors (Gonçalo Rodrigues Brás, Daniel and Fernandes, 2023 ; Robert, Frey and Sisodia, 2021 ). According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2021–2022 survey report, the world's largest research organization on entrepreneurship, there was a significant increase in total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) in India from 5.30% in 2020 to 14.40% in 2021.…”