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How entrepreneurial learning impacts one’s intention towards entrepreneurship: A planned behavior approach

Feng Zhang (School of Business Administration, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China)
Liqun Wei (Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong)
Hongyi Sun (City University of Hong Kong Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, Hong Kong, China)
Lo Choi Tung (Occupational Health and Safety Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

Chinese Management Studies

ISSN: 1750-614X

Article publication date: 16 October 2018

Issue publication date: 26 March 2019

2576

Abstract

Purpose

Although entrepreneurial learning is widely believed as an important factor in shaping one’s entrepreneurial intention, research finds little consistent results on the direct effect of entrepreneurial learning on one’s entrepreneurial intention. To solve the conflicted effects of entrepreneurial learning, the purpose of this paper is to explore how entrepreneurial learning may impact individual entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the authors proposed and tested on a three mediating effect model, in which entrepreneurial learning is associated with entrepreneurial intention through attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control toward entrepreneurship. Moreover, the moderating role of prior exposure to entrepreneurship was proposed and tested. Based on a sample of 200 university students who have taken entrepreneurial courses in Hong Kong, the hierarchical regressions and moderated mediation tests were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that the positive relationship between entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial intention is significantly mediated by attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control toward entrepreneurship; and the mediating effects of entrepreneurial learning on entrepreneurial intention via attitudes and perceived behavioral control respectively, is moderated by exposure to entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

Contributing to the literature of entrepreneurship education, this study identifies individuals who exposed to the same entrepreneurship education may perform differently in entrepreneurial learning. The findings also help us to better understand the mechanism through which and under which context one’s entrepreneurial learning may enhance his/her entrepreneurial intention.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 71704056]; the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [grant number 2017M612675, 2018T110875]; and the development of MOOC course on innovation and entrepreneurship from City University of Hong Kong [grant number P6983100].

Citation

Zhang, F., Wei, L., Sun, H. and Tung, L.C. (2019), "How entrepreneurial learning impacts one’s intention towards entrepreneurship: A planned behavior approach", Chinese Management Studies, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 146-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-06-2018-0556

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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