The links between entrepreneurial education, self-efficacy, attitude and behaviour: A serial mediation model

Abstract

The extant entrepreneurship literature generally suggests a positive link between entrepreneurship education (EE) and entrepreneurial behaviour; however, empirical studies on the direct and indirect effects of EE on entrepreneurial behaviour are limited. Against this background and drawing on human capital theory, this study empirically explores the serial mediating mechanism between EE and entrepreneurial behaviour via entrepreneurial self-efficacy and attitude. Using a self-administered questionnaire, the study collected data from randomly selected 117 graduate entrepreneurs exposed to EE while at the university and started businesses after graduation. Hypothesis testing using the Hayes PROCESS macro v4 shows that EE fosters entrepreneurial self-efficacy, attitude and behaviour. The findings also indicate that entrepreneurial self-efficacy and attitude stimulate entrepreneurial behaviour. Further analysis reveals that EE fosters entrepreneurial behaviour via the individual and serial mediating effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and attitude. Based on the findings, this study concludes that EE directly and indirectly affects individuals’ entrepreneurial behaviour. The study provides insights into how EE develops entrepreneurial behaviour and offers implications for governments, practising entrepreneurs and EE curriculum developers/educators.