Does gender matter? A university ecosystem, self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention analysis in Brazilian universities

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to enlighten existing gender differences in the linkages between university ecosystem, self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach The empirical exercise relies on Partial Least Squares Structural Equations Modeling based on data from a probabilistic sample of 467 Brazilian students of 70 universities across the country. Findings The university ecosystem positively influences self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurial intention is also influenced by self-efficacy. Gender difference lies in females’ self-efficacy, which presents a higher impact on entrepreneurial intentions. Research limitations/implications The research used a secondary database, which offered a limited view of the constructs analyzed. Moreover, by evaluating perception conditions, students’ self-evaluation may not offer conditions to better comprehend higher education organizations conditions. Practical implications This paper provided an evaluation of entrepreneurship in universities and gender differences, also presenting an analysis tool for university ecosystems. The assessment of the university ecosystem in two dimensions helps to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of university ecosystems and also the impact they can have on the entrepreneurial ecosystems in which they are inserted. Originality/value This study added in-depth information on the dynamics of entrepreneurial universities and gender differences in the context of a developing country, with a probabilistic sample. Both the comprehensive analysis of the model and the assessment at the variable level bring new evidence that can guide entrepreneurship-oriented initiatives in universities.

Attitudes Toward Entrepreneurship Education, Post-pandemic Entrepreneurial Environment, and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Among University Students

“…First off, the findings of the study indicate that male university students have a stronger sense of entrepreneurial self-efficacy than do female university students. The findings are in line with the study by Pelegrini and Moraes (2021). Similarly, Veljkovic et al (2019) found that female students majored in MBA have lower entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions than do male students.…”

The Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy in Mediating the Effect of Entrepreneurship Education and Financial Support on Entrepreneurial Behavior

“…Similarly, a high level of entrepreneurial self-efficacy encourages a student to take the risk of deciding to become an entrepreneur or to engage in entrepreneurial behavior. Results like this are shown by researchers, which stated that the higher entrepreneurial self-efficacy resulted in higher entrepreneurial intentions and behavior (Crespo et al, 2020;Jarvis, 2016;Pelegrini & Moraes, 2022;Powers et al, 2021). Similarly, the availability of substantial financial support boosts student entrepreneurial self-efficacy.…”

Exploring Factors Influencing Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention in Vocational Colleges Based on Structural Equation Modeling: Evidence From China

“…Self-efficacy is reported as a good predictor of start-up intention ( Krueger et al, 2000 ; Zakaria and Nordin, 2020 ). The application and practice of social cognition theory (SCT) in entrepreneurship research indicates that EI and success are largely influenced by ESE, while Pelegrini and de Moraes (2021) revealed that the ESE of university students in developing countries significantly positively predicted EI. Meanwhile, gender difference lies in female ESE, which has a greater impact on EI.…”