Personality, Prior Knowledge, Social Capital and Entrepreneurial Intentions: Entrepreneurial Alertness as Mediator

Abstract

Objective – This empirical study aims to examine the role of entrepreneurial alertness as a mediator to personality traits, prior knowledge and social capital in influencing the potential of entrepreneurial intention. Methodology/Technique – A total of 212 questionnaires were personally distributed in the Kuala Lumpur area. The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM) employing the Baron and Kenny method with the bootstrapping method in testing for mediation effect. Findings – The findings concluded that there are significant relationships between the three variables; prior knowledge, social capital and personality traits with the entrepreneurial intention which is mediated by entrepreneurial alertness. Social capital and prior knowledge in the form of entrepreneurships courses and entrepreneurial experience have a positive relationship with entrepreneurial intention and hence attention should be directed towards them. Novelty – Demonstrate the originality or value of the paper which makes it different from prior studies. Type of Paper: Empirical Keywords: Entrepreneurial intention; Alertness; Prior knowledge; Social capital; Personality; Mediator. JEL Classification: L26, L31.