Team efficacy and communication satisfaction as a driver of commitment among university entrepreneurship programme participants

Abstract

This research explores how perceived team efficacy and communication satisfaction within student teams influence team members’ commitment and willingness to continue in the context of university entrepreneurship programs. The results suggest that team communication and efficacy are influential from a commitment perspective. The research is based on the results of a quantitative survey among participating HSUP (Hungarian Startup University Program) students—a program available at all major Hungarian universities. The applied SEM modeling method provided an adequate instrument to understand better the impact of perceived team attributes on value and exchange-based commitment and identify some of these variables’ determinants. This research provides empirical evidence that the commitment of nascent student entrepreneurs, framed through project and profession focus, should incorporate a team perspective. The paper also formulates further research directions and implications for the design of university entrepreneurship programs. In addition to professional competencies (e.g., market research methods, business model building, MVP creation), the mentoring process should strengthen effective communication, team efficacy, and spirit within the entrepreneurial group. These elements significantly affect the commitment of group members, which in turn influences their willingness to continue on an individual level.