Analysing Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation and Entrepreneurial Intention: The Moderating Effect of Educational Support

Abstract

Extant literature highlights entrepreneurship not just as a tool to boost economic growth but as a prolific career opportunity too. Though studies highlight entrepreneurship as a phenomenon affected by multiple factors, a conclusion is yet to be achieved about their role and significance in influencing entrepreneurial intentions. This study fills the gap and examines the role of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) in explaining entrepreneurial intention (EI). Further, the study investigates the moderating effect of educational support (ES) on the relationship between IEO and EI. Data was collected from 388 undergraduate students in the Delhi–National Capital Region (NCR). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to check the reliability and validity, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results confirm the statistically significant role of IEO in influencing students’ EI. Moreover, the value of adjusted R-square obtained through multiple regression analysis confirm that the impact of IEO is higher on EI when supported by ES. The results conclude the need to strengthen the IEO and provide students with adequate educational support to create an environment conducive to entrepreneurial actions.