The Pathways to Entrepreneurship: How Identity Style Influence Entrepreneurial Identity Aspiration and Intention

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms leading to entrepreneurship by examining how different identity styles influence entrepreneurial identity aspiration and intention among business students. Specifically, the research seeks to understand the role of identity styles in shaping individuals' entrepreneurial aspirations and their intention to engage in entrepreneurial activities, thereby providing deeper insights into the processes underlying entrepreneurial decision-making. The results indicate that commitment (r=0.387, p<0.01) plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurial identity aspiration, which strongly predicts entrepreneurial intentions (r=0.811, p<0.01). The informational identity style (r=0.309, p<0.01) and normative identity style (r=0.314,p<0.01) positively correlate with entrepreneurial identity aspiration, while a diffuse-avoidant identity style (r=0.053, p>0.05) shows no significant association. Understanding these relationships can help design targeted interventions that strengthen entrepreneurial self-concept and decision-making processes. Although some styles may hinder constructive decision-making tactics, decision-making skills can be improved over a lifetime.