The role of religious social capital on students’ entrepreneurial motivation: a self-determinant theory perspective

Purpose Nowadays, high unemployment among graduates, students and the Z generation occurs globally. Religious social capital (e.g. structural, cognitive and relational social capital) was applied to examine how religious social capital influences students’ basic needs (e.g. personal and social), which subsequently influences motivation to develop own businesses. Design/methodology/approach A total of 797 participants filled out the questionnaire. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the research hypotheses. Findings The religious structural and cognitive social capital influences on students’ personal and social needs, which in turn influences entrepreneurial motivation. The religious relational social capital has a positive role on personal need; however, contrary to social need, which does not drive students’ entrepreneurial motivation. Furthermore, religious social capital plays an important role in influencing students’ motivation for entrepreneurship, both directly and indirectly, towards personal and social needs. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to Indonesian students. Therefore, future studies are needed to analyze cross-regional cultures, departments and religions. Practical implications Education stakeholders should develop an attractive curriculum for business. It must be in line with the company’s needs for competitive advantage. Hence, students have skills and knowledge in business before graduation. Originality/value This study contributes to religious social capital and the self-determinant theory by combining some of the students’ basic needs.