Development of an integrated conceptual framework for the entrepreneurial intention and nascent entrepreneurial behavior

Purpose This study aims to identify the themes of entrepreneurial intention and develop an integrated conceptual framework for the antecedents and outcomes of entrepreneurial intention. Design/methodology/approach A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach (PRISMA). In total, 185 articles from six databases between 2010 and 2023 are included. A bibliometric analysis is performed using VOSviewer. Findings Unearthed are five pivotal themes, namely, personality traits, educational, contextual and cognitive factors, that profoundly influence entrepreneurial intention to deepen the understanding of nascent entrepreneurial behavior and illuminate new avenues for research in this domain. Research limitations/implications This study relied on six databases and 185 papers from scholarly journals written in English. Articles published before 2010 and after 2023 are not considered. It proposes an integrated conceptual framework incorporating personality traits and educational, contextual and cognitive factors for intention formation. The incremental aspect of augmenting Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) theory is also explained. Practical implications Arms practitioners with the crucial insights needed to embark on nascent entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial journey early in crafting effective policies, empowering them to spearhead economic growth and innovation at both the firm and national levels. Originality/value This study shows the nexus among personality traits, educational, contextual and cognitive factors, entrepreneurial intention and nascent entrepreneurial behavior with a solid theoretical foundation under one integrated conceptual framework while augmenting SCCT, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on nascent entrepreneurial behavior.