Founders’ personalities, university roles and entrepreneurial competencies’ impact on student enterprises performance in Malaysian public higher educational institutions

Purpose This study aims to measure the impact of founders' personalities (FP), university roles (UR) and entrepreneurial competencies (EC) on the performance of student enterprises (SEP) in Malaysian public higher educational institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach This study used a cluster sampling technique and a cross-sectional study, which utilized a quantitative approach. A total of 369 founders of SEPs from Malaysian public HEIs participated in this study. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to derive the measurement model, structural model and tests for mediation. Findings The results indicate that FP of SEPs (need for achievement, innovativeness, propensity for risk-taking and self-efficacy) and UR positively influenced EC and SEP performance (SP). Furthermore, EC show a positive significant relationship with SP. Moreover, the relationship between FP and UR with SP are mediated by EC. Originality/value The study of SP is relatively new, particularly in developing countries like Malaysia. This paper strengthens the existing literature on the performance of SEPs among public HEIs in one of the developing countries. It is also relevant for the public HEIs and policy decision-makers to create a viable entrepreneurial ecosystem within the public HEIs to encourage SP and generate more job creators among university students.