Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Intention: Do Entrepreneurial Creativity and Education Matter?

Purpose- This paper aims to present a ‘moderated mediation model’ covering the nexus between entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial intentions (EI) by comparing an emerging market (China) and a mature market (Spain). By drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and self-efficacy, this study theorizes that entrepreneurial creativity (EC) and attitudes towards entrepreneurship (ATE) mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions; moreover, entrepreneurial education (EE) moderates these relationships. Design/methodology/approach- This research employs a survey-based methodology and uses a 37-item questionnaire for a total sample of 808 student respondents from both countries. Further, the study employs structural equation modelling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings– The results indicate that entrepreneurial creativity and attitudes towards entrepreneurship positively mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intention. Further, with entrepreneurial education, individuals can efficiently develop entrepreneurial creativity to successfully nurture their entrepreneurial intentions, regardless of their countries’ economic maturity. Practical implications – Being able to identify the importance of entrepreneurial creativity and education for future entrepreneurs is of definite concern for all the business eco-system: from intentions of young entrepreneurs to governments; new levers, facilitators and approaches, e.g. policies will be able to be adopted. Originality/value– This research provides valuable insights on the importance of entrepreneurial creativity and education in the determination of entrepreneurial intentions in two very distinct markets for the first time.