Bridging the gap between entrepreneurial intentions and behavior: examining the role of mindfulness

Purpose This study investigates the role of mindfulness in the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and behavior. Design/methodology/approach To investigate the effect of mindfulness on entrepreneurial intention and behavior, we adopt a conceptual framework based on the theory of planned behavior and develop our hypothesis, anticipating that mindfulness has a moderating effect on the entrepreneurial intention–behavior relationship. We conduct an empirical study by administering a survey questionnaire with 329 respondents who attended a training program organized by one of the leading management institutes in India. Findings We find a positive effect of entrepreneurial intention and mindfulness on entrepreneurial behavior. Further, mindfulness has a moderating effect on the entrepreneurial intention–behavior relationship. Research limitations/implications The study has a few limitations. It was conducted among unemployed youth who participated in a government-sponsored training program for the promotion of entrepreneurship. Although not all the participants in the program were automatically eligible for government funding for starting a business, their entrepreneurial intention–behavior relationship may vary based on their conditions after the training concluded. This study emphasizes only the relationship between mindfulness and entrepreneurial intention behavior, considering EI and well-being implicit in mindfulness. Other contingent factors might also influence the entrepreneurship intention–behavior relationship, but our argument is that, ultimately, all emotional and rational factors can be subordinated to mindfulness. Hence, future research could be carried out to study the effect of mindfulness practice, entrepreneurial intention and the effectiveness of implementation behavior. Further longitudinal studies could be designed to understand how mindfulness training bridges the gap in the entrepreneurial intention–behavior relationship. Practical implications Through this study, we offer empirical evidence on the role of mindfulness in moderating the intention–behavior relationship in entrepreneurship. Mindfulness makes people more aware of their internal and external environment when they pay attention with a purpose that helps them to regulate their emotions, cognition, novelty seeking and social contexts to sustain the ups and downs in starting a business. Originality/value The findings of the study offer new insights into the nuanced association between entrepreneurial intention and behavior through the lens of mindfulness.