The effect of human capital on the formation of social entrepreneurial intentions in students

Purpose This article aims to analyse the influence of human capital on the cognitive components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour's (TPB) model and its subsequent effect on the social entrepreneurial intentions (SEIs) of university students. Design/methodology/approach The participants were students from the Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco. The study involved a total of 300 students. We use structural equation modelling (SEM) for our analysis. Specifically, we employ the Partial Least Squares approach (SmartPLS 4). Findings The findings of this study suggest that prior experience and entrepreneurial skills significantly influence the three antecedents of the TPB. In contrast, attitudes have a more substantial effect on SEIs compared to behavioural control. Moreover, subjective norms exhibit an inverse relationship with SEIs, indicating a negative impact. Research limitations/implications This study addresses a contextual gap in research on the impact of human capital on social entrepreneurship among university students in Morocco. It emphasises the need for institutional strategies and structured frameworks to promote social entrepreneurship among students, including integrating social entrepreneurship into the core academic curriculum, establishing social innovation labs, and forming partnerships with social enterprises. Originality/value This study makes a novel theoretical contribution by employing the human capital approach to analyse SEIs in the context of developing countries. By concentrating on higher education in Morocco, it addresses a significant gap and demonstrates how human capital can influence SEIs. Additionally, Morocco's university programs enhance students' skills in social entrepreneurship, promote a more structured approach to education, and enhance their entrepreneurial attitudes and self-confidence. While earlier models primarily elucidate social entrepreneurial intentions through personality traits, emotional factors, or prior experience, our framework illustrates the importance of human capital. By focusing on knowledge and skills, we refine existing approaches and illustrate how institutional capacity-building can proactively foster social entrepreneurial intention.