Entrepreneurial intention and nascent entrepreneurial behaviour: the moderating effect of gender with Social Cognitive Career Theory and Social Role Theory

Abstract

This study investigated the nexus between entrepreneurial intention (EI) and nascent entrepreneurial behaviour (NEB) among Generation Z management undergraduates at state universities in Sri Lanka, with gender serving as a moderator on such ties, using two theories: Social Cognitive Career Theory and Social Role Theory. This study adopted a quantitative research methodology, collecting data from 1368 Generation Z management students with entrepreneurial education. The data were analysed using the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach and SmartPLS version 4.0. The results demonstrated that EI significantly impacted the NEB of the management undergraduates and further showed that gender is no longer a moderator in the relationship between EI and NEB. However, the simple slope analysis results implied that if the sample size is increased, gender may have a moderating effect on the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and nascent entrepreneurial behaviour. The study’s focus on the EI and NEB of management undergraduates in state universities is one of its drawbacks, as it may restrict how broadly the results can be applied in other university settings. The study also took a quantitative approach, which might have missed qualitative differences in undergraduates’ viewpoints. To overcome these constraints, future research might examine various geographic areas and use qualitative techniques to support undergraduates’ NEB fully. The studies provide implications for those who wish to deliver economic and advisory support for students’ viable business plans and government policymakers who want to support students’ EI and NEB to strengthen the process of creating new ventures.