Risk taking and need for achievement as mediators in the relationship between self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention

Maria Mackthalin Lucas (), Memukhan Gnanamoni Samnallathampi (), Rohit (), Hesil Jerda George () and Satyanarayana Parayitam ()
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Maria Mackthalin Lucas: Manonmaniam Sundaranar University
Memukhan Gnanamoni Samnallathampi: Manonmaniam Sundaranar University
Rohit: Gulf Medical University
Hesil Jerda George: Holy Cross College (Autonomous) Nagercoil, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University
Satyanarayana Parayitam: Charlton College of Business, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 2025, vol. 21, issue 1, No 69, 29 pages

Abstract: Abstract This research investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial intention (EINT). Based on social cognitive theory (SCT) and theory of planned behavior (TPB), a conceptual model is developed, and the moderating effects of tolerance for ambiguity and innovativeness as moderators in influencing EINT are explored. A survey instrument was used to collect data from 842 students from higher educational institutions in a developing country. After verifying the psychometric properties of the measures using the LISREL software for structural equation modeling, the hypothesized relationships were tested using PROCESS macros. The findings indicate (i) ESE is a significant predictor of risk-taking behavior, need for achievement, and EINT, (ii) risk-taking behavior and need for achievement are significantly and positively associated with EINT, (iii) tolerance for ambiguity moderates the relationship between ESE and EINT, and (iii) innovativeness moderates the relationship between need for achievement and EINT. The two-way interactions between ESE, tolerance for ambiguity, and innovativeness in strengthening EINT bring novelty to the model. To the best of our knowledge, the moderated-mediation model investigating the EINT of students from higher educational institutions in the context of a developing country is the first of its kind and makes a pivotal contribution to the entrepreneurship theory and practice.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial self-efficacy; Entrepreneurial intention; Tolerance for ambiguity; Risk-taking; Need for achievement; Innovativeness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11365-025-01082-9

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