The impact of entrepreneurs’ prosocial motivation on entrepreneurial persistence from the perspective of self-determination

Purpose Prosocial motivation is recognized as a critical driver of entrepreneurial behavior and existing studies highlight its positive influence on well-being. However, the relationship between prosocial motivation and entrepreneurial persistence remains unexplored. To fill this gap, this study investigates the impact of prosocial motivation on entrepreneurial persistence, exploring the mediating role of subjective well-being and psychological well-being, while also exploring the moderating role of environmental dynamics. Design/methodology/approach Based on empirical survey data collected in eastern China, 289 entrepreneurs were surveyed to examine the hypotheses using statistical techniques. Findings Data analysis shows that prosocial motivation is positively related to entrepreneurial persistence, and the mediation effect of entrepreneurial psychological well-being is greater than that of entrepreneurial subjective well-being. Environmental dynamics positively moderate the relationship between psychological well-being and entrepreneurial persistence but do not moderate the relationship between subjective well-being and entrepreneurial persistence. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial persistence by extending the role of prosocial motivation in entrepreneurship and integrating environmental dynamics as a contextual factor influencing well-being in self-determined persistence. Practical implications For entrepreneurs, this paper demonstrates how cultivating prosocial responsibility can foster entrepreneurial persistence. It emphasizes that entrepreneurs should not only enhance positive experiences but also build vitality and realization in dynamic environments. Originality/value Our research highlights the key role of prosocial motivation in entrepreneurial persistence. The findings show that psychological well-being is a more important mediator than subjective well-being, challenging prior studies that primarily emphasize subjective well-being in entrepreneurship.