Bridging Feelings And Ventures: An Investigation Into The Mediating Role Of Entrepreneurial Behavior In Social Entrepreneurship

Abstract

As global challenges intensify, social entrepreneurship—a unique blend of business and social problem-solving—becomes a beacon of innovation. Central to this fusion is empathy, the capacity to comprehend and share the feelings of others, which may profoundly impact one's social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI). This study scrutinized the intricate roles of entrepreneurial behavior (EB) in potentially amplifying or modulating this impact. Leveraging a stratified convenience sample, 393 students from a distinguished private, non-sectarian university provided insights via an online Google Forms survey. The data unraveled intriguing interplays: distinct components of empathy, especially emotional regulation, emerged as crucial drivers for SEI. Yet, their influence was most pronounced when mediated by EB. In particular, EB served as a bridge, fully channeling the effects of several empathy facets on SEI. On the other hand, despite initial presumptions, EB did not moderate the relationship, indicating that its role is more of a conduit than a modifier in the empathy-SEI nexus. This exploration sheds light on the multifaceted interrelationships between personal attributes and entrepreneurial intentions, offering valuable cues for educational institutions and entrepreneurship advocates.