Do dark personality traits add to the entrepreneurial intention predicting ability of theory of planned behaviour? An empirical study

Abstract

Antecedents of individuals’ intentions have received growing consideration in entrepreneurship research. The purpose of the present study is to analyse the impact of dark personality traits on entrepreneurial intention, within the context of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). A questionnaire-based online survey was conducted on 520 undergraduate university business students at a Greek public university. Data analysis was implemented through structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings indicate that perceived behavioural control impacts entrepreneurial intention and that attitude has a direct impact on entrepreneurial intention through the dark triad variable. The implications of the findings are significant both for academic policymakers as well as for educators, since the systematic fostering of students’ entrepreneurial intention could provide empirical evidence and help formulate policies that inspire them to choose entrepreneurship as a career option. Findings will contribute to the understanding of the relationship between dark personality traits, entrepreneurial intention, and the TPB, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurship education to identify individuals who are more likely to become successful entrepreneurs. Finally, findings could add to the theoretical framework on the impact of personality traits on entrepreneurial intention and behaviour and to the use of TPB in predicting entrepreneurial outcomes.