Fostering entrepreneurial intention in family business: the robustness of orientation, support, education and self-efficacy

Purpose In business, the familial aspect of entrepreneurial intention is highly prominent for growth and sustainability. However, enhancing its effectiveness is an enormous challenge in the organisational context. This paper aims to examine entrepreneurial intention in family businesses through the lens of family entrepreneurial orientation, perceived family support, entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach This study applies a deductive approach. Using a survey questionnaire, the researchers collected data from 391 Egyptian family business members who actively manage or own family businesses. Findings The path analysis reveals positive effects of factors such as family entrepreneurial orientation, perceived family support and entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intention in family businesses and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Moreover, the impact of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention in family businesses is positive, and it also mediates the relationships among family entrepreneurial orientation, perceived family support, entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention. Practical implications The study’s findings help nurture an entrepreneurial mindset and practices, particularly within the family business context. This study helps family businesses create a healthy and conducive environment that fosters innovation and sustainability for future generations. Finally, the study enriches the literature on family businesses by presenting an integrated framework with entrepreneurial self-efficacy, family business dynamics and entrepreneurial behaviour. Originality/value This study bridges the gap between family business research and entrepreneurship theory by demonstrating how family dynamics and entrepreneurial self-efficacy shape entrepreneurial intention in family businesses, particularly in a developing context.