Age, entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial intentions: the mediating role of individual entrepreneurial orientation

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between age and entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial intentions considering the mediating role of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) dimensions (risk-taking, innovativeness and proactiveness).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 782 individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s working-age population using a cross-sectional survey design. Hypotheses were tested via structural equation modeling.

Findings

Younger individuals have significantly higher intentions for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship than older individuals. The mediating role of IEO was partially supported in the case of the relationship between age and entrepreneurial intention as well as age and intrapreneurial intention. While risk-taking and innovativeness partially mediate the relationship, proactiveness does not.

Originality/value

This study takes a comprehensive approach when examining the relationship between age and entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial intentions in a developing economy while considering the indirect effects of IEO dimensions.

Citation

Aydin, Š., Knezović, E., Bičo, A. and Smajić, H. (2024), "Age, entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial intentions: the mediating role of individual entrepreneurial orientation", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 94-113. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-08-2022-0107