Family environment and entrepreneurial intention: the moderating effect of university environment among university students in Spain

Purpose This paper examines the moderating effect of university environment on the relationship between family environment and entrepreneurial intention among university students in Spain. Design/methodology/approach The empirical study was conducted with a sample of 118 participants enrolled in the Start your business: Turn your idea into a business model course at the University of Granada, Spain. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire. The study assessed the influence of the family environment on entrepreneurial intentions while examining three dimensions of the university environment. Structural equation modeling and maximum likelihood estimation were applied to analyze the data and determine the direction and strength of the relationships among the variables. Findings The results confirmed the positive effect of family environment on the students’ entrepreneurial intention. This effect was strengthened by a heightened perception of support from the university environment, particularly in terms of educational and conceptual development assistance. The study confirmed that the university is an environment that allows students to take opportunities provided by the family environment, resulting in a greater intention to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Originality/value The originality of the study lies in the identification of specific dimensions of family and university environments that shape entrepreneurial intention. In turn, the results were used to design specific strategies for practitioners to support social groups and foster entrepreneurial intentions among students.