Examining the influence of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial success (perception) through mediation of entrepreneurial intentions

Purpose This study aims to examine the relation between entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) in the Indian context, and this paper has deepened the study by observing the mediating role of EI between ESE and entrepreneurial success (ES). Design/methodology/approach For measuring ESE, McGee’s (2009) scale and, for EI and ES, the scale of Linan and Chen (2008, 2009) have been used. Partial least square -structural equation model software has been used to frame a model with data from 323 (195 male and 128 female) students. The study considered only students enrolled in entrepreneurial courses in their respective universities and colleges in three Indian regions: Punjab, Haryana and NCR (National Capital Region). Findings The results highlight that ESE has a strong influence on EI with a β value of 0.525 (p ≤ 0.001), and similarly in the case of EI and ES (β value: 0.696; p ≤ 0.001). For the mediating effect of EI among ESE and ES, the results highlight that the combined β value of both ESE and EI by multiplication was (0.525 × 0.696 = 0.3654) greater than ESE’s direct influence on ES (β = 0.110). Research limitations/implications The above results highlighted are important, and they suggest that there is a need to focus upon EI to enhance chances of success in business ventures. Originality/value The manuscript has been originally submitted to the Journal of Enterprising Communities. The work has been originally carried out by the authors. The above results highlighted are essential and suggest a need to focus upon EI to enhance chances of success in business ventures.