The influence of the dark triad on the relationship between entrepreneurial attitude orientation and entrepreneurial intention: A study among students in Taiwan University

Abstract

Abstract Entrepreneurial attitude orientation refers to an individual's attitude to start a new venture, such as innovativeness, risk-taking, need for achievement, self-confidence, and locus of control. These elements are known to predict entrepreneurial intention. While prior research about the influence of personality primary focus on the positive aspects, recently, the dark triad, a set of personality characteristics that includes Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, has been found to predict personal and organizational achievement. Considering the new generation of entrepreneurs are more likely to be self-reliant and loyal toward themselves, it is proposed that the dark triad can mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial attitude orientation and entrepreneurial intention. Structural equation modeling is used to examine the hypotheses based on a sample of 295 college students in Taiwan. In addition to a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurial attitude orientation and entrepreneurial intention, the influence of the dark triad as a mediator was also found. Results suggest individuals high on the dark triad are more intended to engage in entrepreneurial activity, which advance our knowledge of the entrepreneurial decision-making process. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.