The impact of abstract thinking on entrepreneurial intentions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test a theoretical model examining the potential impact of abstract thinking on entrepreneurial intentions (EI). The impact of perceived desirability of entrepreneurship on the relationship between abstraction and intentions was also examined. Design/methodolo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of entrepreneurial behaviour & research 2019-02, Vol.25 (2), p.323-337
Main Authors: Bazzy, Joshua D, Smith, Adam R, Harrison, Teresa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior
Cognition & reasoning
Cognitive style
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship education
Flexibility
Influence
Perceptions
Self-efficacy
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test a theoretical model examining the potential impact of abstract thinking on entrepreneurial intentions (EI). The impact of perceived desirability of entrepreneurship on the relationship between abstraction and intentions was also examined. Design/methodology/approach A total of 155 participants completed measures of abstraction, self-efficacy, desirability and EI. Hierarchical regression was used. A bootstrapping approach was utilized to test for mediation. Findings High levels of abstraction were positively related to EI, while also interacting with self-efficacy. High levels of abstraction counteracted otherwise low levels of self-efficacy, resulting in subsequently higher intentions. The perceived desirability of entrepreneurship mediated the relationship between abstraction and EI. Research limitations/implications The scope of analysis and student population sample may limit generalizability. Practical implications The results identify a cognitive process that may help individuals overcome feasibility concerns. Entrepreneurial training programs might choose to instruct individuals that, when encountering a roadblock, they should focus on their ideals and the bigger picture rather than being discouraged by the challenges of the process. Originality/value The results provide insight into the psychological processes that lead individuals to become entrepreneurs. The study helps in explaining the mechanism by which a tendency toward abstract thinking leads to stronger EI and identifies an additional antecedent to individuals’ perceptions of desirability toward entrepreneurship.
ISSN:1355-2554
1758-6534
DOI:10.1108/IJEBR-03-2018-0128