Relationship between social network, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention

Abstract

Abstract: Focusing on the fundamental question of "how social network impacts entrepreneurial intention", and by reviewing relevant literature, this paper established a conceptual model of the relationship between social network, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. We used questionnaire to collect data from college students, and hypotheses were tested by hierarchical regressions. The results showed that the larger, stronger related and more heterogeneous the social network was, the stronger the entrepreneurial self-efficacy was; the network centrality could only improve entrepreneurial self-efficacy ofrisk tolerance, but did not have any significant effect on entrepreneurial self-efficacy of opportunity identification. Both entrepreneurial self-efficacy of opportunity identification and risk tolerance had significantly positive effects on entrepreneurial intentions. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy played a partially mediating role in the relationship between social network and entrepreneurial intention.

Key words: social network, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intention, college students

CLC Number:

F272.91

Wu Xiaobo, Zhang Chaoqun, Wang Ying. Relationship between social network, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention[J]. Science Research Management, 2014, 35(2): 104-110.

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