The power of peers

Abstract

Purpose Although the role of creativity in the entrepreneurial process has long been analysed, only recently scholars have begun addressing its influence on entrepreneurial intentions, showing that complex dynamics characterise this relationship. The purpose of this paper is to understand the surrounding mechanisms (moderation and mediation) that connect creativity to entrepreneurial intentions, with a focus on social context and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 507 students from 17 to 21 years old. The effect of creativity on entrepreneurial intentions and the moderating role of social context were tested with a three-step hierarchical regression, while the mediating effect of self-efficacy was tested by a multiple regression analysis based on the bootstrapping method. Findings The results reveal that: peers who encourage entrepreneurship moderate the relationship between creativity and entrepreneurial intentions by strengthening this relationship, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy mediates the relationship between creativity and entrepreneurial intentions. Research limitations/implications In light of these results, institutions should draw attention to how creative potential in students differs in order to provide new educational programmes to strengthen self-efficacy in entrepreneurial students and support encouraging social context of peers in which entrepreneurial intentions can be fostered. Originality/value The study, by responding to the suggestions of conducting research on the interface between creativity and entrepreneurship (Shane and Nicolaou, 2015), brings new empirical details regarding the mechanisms that link creativity to entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, it casts light on the interaction between dispositional and social variables, showing the crucial role of peers in enhancing the interaction between creativity and intentions.

The Influence of Entrepreneurial Passion and Creativity on Entrepreneurial Intentions

“…Other studies have shown a direct effect of creativity on entrepreneurial intention (Zampetakis & Moustakis, 2006). Recent research has indicated that the dynamics of this are more complex, existing other variables to account for (Bellò et al, 2018;Biraglia & Kadile, 2017).…”

“…Investigations have indicated, for example, that self-efficacy mediates variables such as risk propensity, previous entrepreneurial experience, and personality traits (Roy et al, 2017;Zhao, Seibert, & Hills, 2005). , 22(2), eRAMR210082, 2021 doi:10.1590/1678-6971/eRAMR210082 Self-efficacy has been examined as a possible mediator role between creativity and entrepreneurial intention (Bellò et al, 2018;Zampetakis, Gotsi, Andriopoulos, & Moustakis, 2011). Creativity alone may not be enough to propel the individual to undertake an entrepreneurial venture.…”

“…Several antecedents of entrepreneurial intention have been identified and need to be further explored. These include entrepreneurial education (Souitaris, Zerbinati, & Al-Laham, 2007), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (Bacq, Ofstein, Kickul, & Gundry, 2017), creativity (Bellò, Mattana, & Loi, 2018) and entrepreneurial passion (Cardon, Gregoire, Stevens, & Patel, 2013). There is a demand for more research on the dynamic interaction between an individual's personal characteristics and the environmental context (Nabi, Walmsley, & Holden, 2015).…”

The Roles of Need for Achievement and Family Environment in Stimulating Entrepreneurial Interest through Self-Efficacy

“…Self-efficacy is defined as a person's belief in his/her ability to complete work, achieve goals, and overcome obstacles and challenges (Bellò et al, 2017). It is an inevitable element required to start and run a business (Dardiri et al, 2019;Frunzaru & Cismaru, 2018).…”

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

“…[36] Sun, et al, (2016) found that entrepreneurship education had an effect on attitudes, social norms, self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions. [37] Education can develop and improve one's self-efficacy (UNCTAD, 2010). [38] Gradually acquired through education, self-efficacy significantly increases the level and content of personal aspirations, goals and decisions of people (Bandura et al, 2001).…”