The effects of education, self-efficacy and desirability on students’ entrepreneurial intentions and the moderating role of experience and cognitive style

Huerta Harris, David Osvaldo

Abstract

This research aimed to provide insights into the role of cognition in the entrepreneurial process by focusing on the entrepreneurial intention process in the setting of university students facing career decisions. It was achieved by testing the influence of Perceived Desirability and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy on Entrepreneurial Intention (base model). It also examined the relationship between Specific Entrepreneurial Education and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Perceived Desirability, precursors of entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, the study explored the role of Prior Entrepreneurial Exposure and Cognitive Style as potential moderating factors of the entrepreneurial intention model. A set of hypothesised relationships among the variables were reasoned and depicted in a research model.
Data was obtained from a survey responded to by 397 undergraduate students. The students were studying their final year at Tecnologico de Monterrey, and the sample included students from seven campuses.
By using covariance-based structural equation modelling, the study results confirmed the direct effect of Perceived Desirability and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy on Entrepreneurial Intentions. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy exhibited a stronger effect on Perceived Desirability than on Entrepreneurial Intention, confirming the prominent role of such construct in the formation of entrepreneurial intention.
Specific Entrepreneurial Education was found to influence Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy but not Perceived Desirability. The study explored moderating effects of Prior Entrepreneurial Exposure and Cognitive Style, finding empirical evidence that the shaping of entrepreneurial intention can be further described considering the interaction of situational and personal factors.
Findings support the importance of continuing to explore how students' entrepreneurial intentions are shaped in light of social cognitive theories. Future research addressing entrepreneurial education effectiveness in impacting attitudinal variables, and a closer examination of moderators influencing the entrepreneurial intention model is encouraged.

Citation

Huerta Harris, D. O. (2022). The effects of education, self-efficacy and desirability on students’ entrepreneurial intentions and the moderating role of experience and cognitive style. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4961010

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 6, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 2, 2027
• Keywords: Business
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4961010
• Additional Information: Business School; Faculty of Business, Law and Politics; University of Hull
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2022