Deepening gender differences in self-efficacy and sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among Business and Engineering students of Generation Z

Abstract

While the role of self-efficacy in influencing entrepreneurial intention has been extensively examined, further investigation is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the gender disparities that exist with respect to the various dimensions of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, as well as the impact these dimensions have on sustainable entrepreneurial intention. This research examines the gender differences in the dimensions of entrepreneurial self-efficacy identified by McGee (2009) among Business and Engineering students belonging to Generation Z in South America. A total of 315 university students from Chile and Ecuador responded to an online survey that assessed the dimensions outlined in the Multidimensional Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Scale, which measures search, planning, marshalling, implementing-people and implementing-finance self-efficacy. The responses were subjected to analysis using Composite Confirmatory Analysis (CCA), non-parametric tests for comparison of frequency distributions, and a multigroup PLS-SEM analysis. The findings supported the existence of gender disparities in dimensions of entrepreneurial self-efficacy among the study population. Male students exhibited higher values for both searching and marshalling self-efficacy, while female students demonstrated higher values for planning and financial self-efficacy. No statistically significant gender differences were identified with respect to the effect of self-efficacy dimensions on sustainable entrepreneurial intention. The results contribute to our understanding about gender differences on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and sustainable entrepreneurial intention among young business and engineering students. The findings may inform the training of young business and engineering students in South America, with the objective of reducing gender disparities in specific entrepreneurial capabilities that may affect the development of sustainable entrepreneurship.