Motivational catalysts: the dominant role between prosocial personality and social entrepreneurial intentions among university students
ISSN: 1750-8614
Article publication date: 25 July 2023
Issue publication date: 14 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Social entrepreneurship has the potential to address societal challenges, and high-education students are expected to be future social leaders. However, engagement in social entrepreneurship remains low in many countries. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of motivational mechanisms (i.e. self-efficacy, social support and social worth) in the relationship between prosocial personality and social entrepreneurial intentions (SEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theory of planned behaviour, the authors conducted a survey of 292 valid respondents from 35 major public and private universities. The collected data were analysed using the structural equation modelling technique. The reliability of the measurements and the model’s predictive capabilities are substantial and assured.
Findings
The findings suggest that prosocial personality alone does not directly predict social entrepreneurial behaviour. However, motivational forces are dominant mediators in the relationship between prosocial personality and SEIs. Specifically, self-efficacy, social support and social worth significantly mediate this relationship.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study provide insights into why prior studies on this topic has produced contradictory results.
Practical implications
The authors recommend that universities and policymakers provide adequate cognitive learning experiences, capacity-building programmes, funding support and recognition to enhance graduates’ inner strength and foster SEIs.
Originality/value
The empirical results resolve the contradictions found in many prior studies and highlight the importance of supportive mechanisms when promoting SEI in emerging regions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding detail: Nil.
Disclosure statement: The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.
Citation
Cheah, J.S.S., Loh, S. and Gunasekaran, A. (2023), "Motivational catalysts: the dominant role between prosocial personality and social entrepreneurial intentions among university students", Social Enterprise Journal, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 555-574. https://doi.org/10.1108/SEJ-04-2023-0036
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited