Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) in a developing country (Pakistan). The literature reports that entrepreneurship education does not enhance the level of ESE of the students. In the same vein, it is strongly emphasized that self-efficacy is the basic element in the entrepreneur’s undertakings. However, limited research has been conducted on the subject and the factors that impact ESE in the context of developing economies. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was adopted, and data were collected from the 564 target respondents of different private and public universities of Pakistan. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the association between the variables of the conceptual model. Findings This study found a positive and significant impact of the predictors, entrepreneurial knowledge, entrepreneurial experiences, instrumental readiness and risk propensity on ESE among the students. Practical implications The findings of the study will help in developing self-efficacy for entrepreneurship in young potential entrepreneurs. They will also assist higher education management in developing and designing entrepreneurship academic curriculum and programs for the achievement of program learning outcomes. In addition, the findings will contribute to the literature of entrepreneurship and self-efficacy factors in the context of the developing country. Originality/value The results of the study confirm empirically tested factors that have a positive impact on ESE in a developing country setting.

PurposeIn today's world, employee voice has become an important factor in resolving organizational issues and making innovativeness. Therefore, this study proposes to investigate the paternalistic leadership style, employee voice and creativity among entrepreneurs of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a cross-sectional study design in which a survey questionnaire is employed to collect the data from the respondents. After data cleaning and screening, in total 416 suitable samples are proceeded for data analysis.FindingsStructural equation modeling findings underlined as a positive and significant relationship of moral leadership with employee voice. Hence, this study found an insignificant relationship of authoritarian, benevolent leadership with employee voice. Further, the study also finds a positive and significant association between employee voice and creativity.Practical implicationsThis study may offer a thoughtful and systematic approach to employee voice and creativity for resolving organizational issues through recommendations/opinions of employees. This study may be helpful for addressing issues by bringing out creativity and innovation to achieve organizational goals and objectives.Originality/valueThe study is the first to investigate the impact of paternalistic leadership style on employee voice. Besides, it examines the influence of employee voice on creativity among entrepreneurs of Pakistan.

PurposeThe present study predicts attitude towards entrepreneurship among the students of Thailand through the entrepreneurial attitude orientation (EAO) model.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach is used, based on cross-sectional data from public sector universities of Thailand. The respondents are bachelor's and master's students who are acquiring entrepreneurship education. A random sampling technique was used to approach students to participate in the survey. A total of 392 useable questionnaires were returned, providing data for analysis.FindingsUsing structural equation modeling, the results show a positive and significant impact of achievement, personal control and innovation on attitudes towards entrepreneurship. Self-esteem, however, has a non-significant impact on attitudes towards entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsThis study may be helpful for university policymakers wishing to know more about students' entrepreneurial attitudes, as there is a strong need to divert more students towards entrepreneurship. This study may contribute to the entrepreneurship literature and the EAO scale, particularly in developing and Asian contexts.Originality/valueThis study offers evidence of the development of entrepreneurial attitudes among the students of Thailand, which ensures the further validation of the EAO scale in a developing country.

Purpose Nowadays, in mobile communication, smartphone is one of the modern progress and emergent phenomena for business as well as social networking. The purpose of this paper is to investigate an intention to adopt smartphone apps among the entrepreneurs of a developing country. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative methods based on cross-section data are employed for examining an intention towards adopting smartphone apps. The data are collected through a survey questionnaire. In the initial stage, 500 questionnaires were randomly distributed among the businessmen of a developing context. The value of the return samples is 280. The response rate has remained at 56 per cent. Findings By applying the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression show a positive and significant relationship of perceived usefulness, ease of use, perceived enjoyment and satisfaction with an intention to adopt smartphone apps. On the other hand, a positive and non-significant relationship between social needs and the intention to adopt smartphone apps is investigated. Practical implications The present study may provide valuable insights into the use pattern of smartphones among entrepreneurs and contribute for nurturing an intention to adopt smartphone apps in the developing context. Moreover, such a study may contribute to the literature of the developing country context, especially in the perspective of developing an intention and attitude towards smartphone apps. Originality/value This paper offers the factors which may be supportive of the actual usage of smartphone applications. The study is original containing data from a developing country.

Abstract:Globalization of education, job market and changing needs of the industry for graduates '