Social entrepreneurship of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Thailand: influence of institutional environment, entrepreneurial passions, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between the institutional environment, entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, which affect small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs’ social entrepreneurial intentions. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered survey was used to collect data from 600 owner-managers of tourism and hospitality businesses on the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai railway route. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses using a two-step modeling approach. Findings Normative and cognitive environments positively influence entrepreneurial passion. However, regulatory environment was not significantly related to entrepreneurial passion. Entrepreneurial passion relies on entrepreneurial self-efficacy, a major mechanism that creates social entrepreneurial intention. Interestingly, entrepreneurial self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and intention. Originality/value This study provides an original contribution to social entrepreneurship in terms of the role of self-efficacy in mediating the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and intention. The findings enhance theoretical viewpoints and aid in the practical implementation of the roles of small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs in social enterprises, supporting the entrepreneurial sector.