Role of Social Networks, Emotional Intelligence and Psychosocial characteristics in developing Entrepreneurial Intentions of Students

Abstract

In today’s world the term “Entrepreneurship” is garnering great attention as it leads to value creation and help the countries on their journey towards achieving economic prosperity. Yet, to date the research determining the combined impact of various environmental, emotional and psycho-social factors on entrepreneurial intentions is scarce. This study examines how the perception of backing and assistance received by social networks; personal as well as professional shape entrepreneurial intentions. Current study explores the mediating role of a cognitive factor that is self-efficacy and a direct relation of a psycho-social factor that is self-esteem on entrepreneurial intention. With a sample of 192 students the model was tested using multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that social networks and emotional intelligence has a significant role in determining entrepreneurial intentions. Self-efficacy was found to mediate both the relations, while the relation between positive self-esteem and entrepreneurial intention could not be proved. The study creates useful suggestions and awareness for the academic domain as well as policy makers in this region.