Role models, influence, and entrepreneurial development: a social cognitive perspective

While the influence of role models on entrepreneurial development is widely acknowledged, little is known about how this influence develops. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), our efforts illustrate a developmental process whereby entrepreneurial role model influence operates through aspirational identification, behavioural modelling , and selective emulation, with entrepreneurial experience recursively reshaping how role models are interpreted over time. Our insights emerge from analysis of reflective essays collected from 33 student entrepreneurs across a two-year venture creation programme, complemented by reflective essays from 17 alumni more than a decade post-graduation engaged in entrepreneurial work at the time of data collection. Overall, findings demonstrate that aspirational identification with role models serves as inspiration, while behavioural modelling and selective emulation of role models guide practical behaviour, and these processes are dynamic in entrepreneurs. These insights elaborate on SCT and offer implications for entrepreneurship education, mentorship design, and career development.