The Relationship between Internal Locus of Control and Entrepreneurial Intentions of College Students: A Chain Mediation Model

Li-Yu Wang,Jian-Hao Huang

doi:10.12973/ijem.8.1.141

Abstract

<p style="text-align:justify">This study explores the relationship among the internal locus of control, entrepreneurial alertness, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, and entrepreneurial intentions of college students. The scales of internal locus of control, entrepreneurial alertness, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, and entrepreneurial intention have been used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 921 undergraduates from four universities in China. The results show four key findings. First, the internal locus of control has a positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial intention. Second, entrepreneurial alertness plays a mediating role in the relationship between internal locus of control and entrepreneurial intention. Third, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition plays a mediating role in the relationship between the internal locus of control and entrepreneurial intention. Finally, entrepreneurial alertness and entrepreneurial opportunity recognition have a chain mediation effect on the relationship between the internal locus of control and entrepreneurial intention. The study proposes suggestions and future research directions based on the research results, serving as a reference for entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurship planning of college students.</p>

Highlights

Entrepreneurial intention plays an indispensable and vital role in entrepreneurship (Liñán & Chen, 2009)
This study explores the relationship among the internal locus of control, entrepreneurial alertness, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, and entrepreneurial intentions of college students
Conducting its analysis using the cross-cultural cognitive model of venture creation (CCCMVC), this study has found that internal locus of control potentially impacts entrepreneurial alertness and entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and that entrepreneurial alertness can influence entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and form entrepreneurial intention (Gaglio & Katz, 2001; McMullen & Shepherd, 2006)

Summary

Introduction

Entrepreneurial intention plays an indispensable and vital role in entrepreneurship (Liñán & Chen, 2009). Individuals with an internal locus of control typically possess a more active attitude towards challenges and are more willing to solve problems through effective solutions (Luthans et al, 2006). They are good at utilizing social capital to compensate for possible shortcomings while starting their businesses and obtain more entrepreneurial resources to guarantee their success (Obschonka et al, 2012). They have clearer entrepreneurial motivations and stronger entrepreneurial intentions to establish their businesses (Baldegger et al, 2017)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion