Abstract
This multi-country study used role models to boost perceptions of entrepreneurial feasibility and desirability. The results of a structural equation model based on a sample comprising 426 individuals who were primarily from Austria, Finland and Greece revealed a significant positive influence on perceived entrepreneurial desirability and feasibility. These findings support the argument for embedding entrepreneurial role models in entrepreneurship education courses to promote entrepreneurial activities. This direction is not only relevant for the academic community but also essential for nascent entrepreneurs, policymakers and society at large.
Highlights
Both Schumpeter’s (1934) as well as Shane and Venkataraman’s (2000) entrepreneurial schools of thought state that entrepreneurship contributes to the overall wealth of our society
The primary purpose of this work was to unravel the impact of exposure to entrepreneurial role models on entrepreneurial desirability and feasibility
This study draws on social learning theory (Bandura, 1977; 1986) to confirm the significant impact on perceptions when observing entrepreneurial role models
Summary
Both Schumpeter’s (1934) as well as Shane and Venkataraman’s (2000) entrepreneurial schools of thought state that entrepreneurship contributes to the overall wealth of our society. Research dedicated toward entrepreneurship education (EE) is receiving growing attention from business and political communities and society as a whole (Pittaway and Cope, 2007; Albornoz, 2008; Rasmussen, 2011; Lorz et al, 2013). A diverse set of different target groups and different applied pedagogical approaches increase this inconsistency in research results (Mwasalwiba, 2010), and a lack of rigor in research designs and applied research methods (Lorz et al 2013) appears to contribute to this deficiency
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