Coaching Versus Mentoring for Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy: A Scoping Review and Decision Framework

Entrepreneurial self-efficacy frequently predicts business venture success, yet practitioners in resource-constrained markets lack evidence-based guidance on whether coaching or mentoring better develops distinct entrepreneurial self-efficacy dimensions. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review maps 14 empirical studies across five self-efficacy dimensions and Heron's six intervention categories. Findings show facilitative coaching supports self-regulatory processes and overall confidence, while authoritative mentoring is likely to develop opportunity recognition and business management competencies. The resulting dual-lens decision framework offers programme designers’ and practitioners’ selection criteria for choosing coaching, mentoring, or hybrid approaches based on the specific entrepreneurial self-efficacy dimension targeted.