Exploring individual differences in the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intentions: Evidence from Angola
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 4 May 2018
Issue publication date: 4 February 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the most common individual entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) beliefs profiles associated with high entrepreneurial intentions (EI) and how these differ when belonging to an entrepreneurial venture team (EVTeam).
Design/methodology/approach
After a general test of the ESE theory using a structural equations modeling, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used, on a multi-dimensional ESE scale, to find empirical evidence supporting the existence of different individual ESE profiles, equally associated with high EI individuals. Dividing the sample based on the existence or not of an EVTeam (EVTeam), differences for each group are identified and possible implications are discussed.
Findings
This research corroborates ESE as an important antecedent of EI and, from a more in-depth analysis, it also suggests that the highest levels of EI are compatible with different ESE profiles, some of which may be related to having established an EVTeam, or not.
Research limitations/implications
These findings may be useful for entrepreneurs and educators to reflect upon the needed competencies for an EVTeam and the research design might also be useful for policy makers to identify cultural, educational, and institutional shortcomings of the entrepreneurial context. A greater focus should be placed in developing ESE of potential entrepreneurs for the specific entrepreneurial activities for which the lack of perceived capabilities hinders entrepreneurial behavior and success.
Practical implications
This research may be useful for entrepreneurs and educators to reflect upon the needed competencies for an EVTeam. The research design might also be useful for policy makers to identify cultural, educational, and institutional shortcomings of the entrepreneurial context.
Originality/value
This research tests ESE theory in Angola – a country from the African continent from which there is limited empirical evidence – and by exploring the existence of different ESE profiles, with a method that allows for conjunctural causation, new insights and empirical support for future research are provided relative to the complex ESE-EI relationship.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to FCT. This work is funded by the National Funds through FCT (Fundação para a Ciĉncia e Tecnologia, Portugal) under the project name of UID/SOC/04521/2013.
Citation
Crespo, N.F., Belchior, R. and Costa, E.B. (2020), "Exploring individual differences in the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intentions: Evidence from Angola", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-03-2017-0105
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited