A missing link: the behavioral mediators between resources and entrepreneurial intentions
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 20 June 2017
Issue publication date: 26 July 2017
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the theory of planned behaviour and the resource-based perspective, the purpose of this paper is to provide a well-supported explanation of how access to resources, defined as those controlled by the family context and not necessarily controlled by the student, changes attitudes, subjective norms and perceived control and, consequently, the entrepreneurial intentions of secondary students.
Design/methodology/approach
In contrast to traditional research methodologies, this study used a different approach based on primary survey data collected from secondary students to study future entrepreneurial intentions. Structural equation models were used in the empirical analysis.
Findings
Secondary students with more access to resources – financial and human capital – have stronger entrepreneurial intentions because they have more favourable attitudes and subjective norms, and greater perceived behavioural control. This study finds that cultural capital has no significant impact on entrepreneurial intention.
Practical implications
Key policy actions should increase access to resources for young people.
Originality/value
This study shows that the effect of access to resources on entrepreneurial intention is mediated by attitudes, social norms and perceived behavioural control. The results suggest that the relationship between access to resources and entrepreneurial intentions is more complex and nuanced than previously thought.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the helpful comments and suggestions received during the editing/review process. This research is part of the project ECO2014-54301-P financed by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Government of Spain). The authors also acknowledge support from Fundación CajaMurcia.
Citation
Aragon-Sanchez, A., Baixauli-Soler, S. and Carrasco-Hernandez, A.J. (2017), "A missing link: the behavioral mediators between resources and entrepreneurial intentions", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 752-768. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-06-2016-0172
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited