Dark Triad traits affecting entrepreneurial intentions: The roles of opportunity recognition and locus of control

Abstract

Our study proposed a research model in which opportunity recognition mediates the relationships between the Dark Triad personality traits and entrepreneurial intentions, and locus of control moderates the influence of opportunity recognition on entrepreneurial intentions based on the theory of planned behavior. To test the model, we used data collected from a sample of 962 undergraduate students who were enrolled in nine Vietnamese universities. The results show that opportunity recognition mediates the effects of the Dark Triad traits, namely Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism, on entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, the influence of opportunity recognition on entrepreneurial intentions was positively moderated by internal locus of control and negatively moderated by external locus of control. Our results cast light on the mediation and moderation mechanisms of the relationships between Dark Triad traits and entrepreneurial intentions and provide empirical evidence supporting the theory of planned behavior. Furthermore, the study proposes implications for educators to motivate students’ intentions to start a business venture.