Abstract. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is a prominent framework for predicting and explaining behavior in a variety of domains. The theory is also increasingly being used as a framework for conducting behavior change interventions. In this meta-analysis, we identified 82 papers reporting results of 123 interventions in a variety of disciplines. Our analysis confirmed the effectiveness of TPB-based interventions, with a mean effect size of .50 for changes in behavior and effect sizes ranging from .14 to .68 for changes in antecedent variables (behavioral, normative, and control beliefs, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention). Further analyses revealed that the interventions’ effectiveness varied for the diverse behavior change methods. In addition, interventions conducted in public and with groups were more successful than interventions in private locations or focusing on individuals. Finally, we identified gender and education as well as behavioral domain as moderators of the interventions’ effectiveness.

Measurement invariance, Multigroup analyses, Values, Cross-cultural psychology, Education, Survey,

Although the use of structural equation modeling has increased during the last decades, the typical procedure to investigate mean differences across groups is still to create an observed composite score from several indicators and to compare the composite’s mean across the groups. Whereas the structural equation modeling literature has emphasized that a comparison of latent means presupposes equal factor loadings and indicator intercepts for most of the indicators (i.e., partial invariance), it is still unknown if partial invariance is sufficient when relying on observed composites. This Monte-Carlo study investigated whether one or two unequal factor loadings and indicator intercepts in a composite can lead to wrong conclusions regarding latent mean differences. Results show that unequal indicator intercepts substantially affect the composite mean difference and the probability of a significant composite difference. In contrast, unequal factor loadings demonstrate only small effects. It is concluded that analyses of composite differences are only warranted in conditions of full measurement invariance, and the author recommends the analyses of latent mean differences with structural equation modeling instead.

PurposeAlthough the percentage of female entrepreneurs has increased over the past several years, it is far below the level of males. Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour and role congruity theory, the purpose of this paper is to specify a model in which the relationship between gender and entrepreneurial intention (EI) is mediated by three essential motivational constructs (i.e. attitude toward starting a business, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control (PBC)).Design/methodology/approachThe study specifies and tests a meta‐analytical structural equation model. The study aggregates the results of 30 studies (n=52,367).FindingsThe study reveals a higher average EI for men compared to women. However, although significant, the gender differences in EI and the motivational constructs were small and cannot sufficiently explain the substantial differences in actually starting a business. Furthermore, moderator analyses show differences in the gender‐EI relationship between Europe and the US and between students and non‐students.Research limitations/implicationsDifferences between men and women seem to be a consequence of differences in turning intentions into implementation. Researchers are called upon to investigate gender differences in hindrances as a potential explanation for different implementations and when and why women give up their entrepreneurial plans. Moreover, future research should investigate further motivational processes beyond those suggested by the theory of planned behavior.Originality/valueThe study analyses the relationship between gender and EI and the results show a weak relationship which indicates that the higher number of male entrepreneurs cannot solely be explained by differences in motivation.