Motivation to lead and entrepreneurial intention: the mediating effect of individual entrepreneurial orientation

This research examines the relationship between the motivation to lead and entrepreneurial intention through the mediating influence of individual entrepreneurial orientation among young aspiring entrepreneurs. To achieve this objective, we integrate the theory of motivation to lead, which encompasses affective-identity, non-calculative, and social-normative motivations, as well as the dimensions of individual entrepreneurial orientation, including autonomy, innovativeness, risk-taking, and competitive aggressiveness. Through a quantitative approach, a survey method using a self-administered questionnaire was applied to collect data from a sample of 481 young aspiring entrepreneurs enrolled in a training entrepreneurship program at a public university in Spain. The relationships within the conceptual model proposed by the authors were examined through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The findings indicate that motivation to lead has a positive and significant relationship with individual entrepreneurial orientation. Similarly, individual entrepreneurial orientation exerts a positive and significant influence on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, the mediating effect of individual entrepreneurial orientation in the relationship between motivation to lead and entrepreneurial intention was confirmed. This research contributes to filling a gap in the literature by expanding the limited empirical evidence on the relationships between the theories of motivation to lead, individual entrepreneurial orientation, and entrepreneurial intention. Understanding the mechanisms of individual entrepreneurship through motivation to lead helps academia, government institutions, and ultimately, businesses structure policies that foster entrepreneurship spirit and leadership. In this way, they will be able to promote innovation and the development of new ventures.