The impact of Big Five personality traits on entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of entrepreneurial education

Purpose Entrepreneurship is a key driver of social and economic development. While previous studies have extensively explored the direct impact of personality traits on entrepreneurial intention (EI), limited research has examined the mediating role of entrepreneurial education (EE), particularly in the Indian context. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating how the Big Five personality traits, directly and indirectly, influence EI through EE. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey method was employed, utilising a convenience sample of 408 university students in India. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data and test the hypothesised relationships. Findings The results reveal that Big Five personality traits have a significant direct impact on EI and an indirect impact through the mediating influence of EE. The study highlights that students with higher levels of openness, extraversion and conscientiousness benefit the most from EE, which enhances their EI. Research limitations/implications This research contributes to the existing literature by introducing EE as a critical mediator in the personality-intention relationship. It provides empirical evidence from an Indian context, addressing a gap in prior studies, while also contributing to the broader understanding of EE across diverse socioeconomic and cultural contexts. Practical implications The findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to design targeted entrepreneurship education programmes that cater to students with diverse personality traits, fostering entrepreneurial motivation and skill development. Social implications Understanding the interplay between personality, education and EI has broader societal implications, helping shape initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth in India. Originality/value Unlike prior studies that focus on direct relationships, this study pioneers an integrated model that positions EE as a key enabler, linking personality traits to EI. By examining this novel dimension, the research extends existing models and provides a context-specific contribution to the field of entrepreneurship education.