Role Models and Entrepreneurial Intention: The Moderating Effects of Experience, Locus of Control and Self-Esteem

Abstract

International audienceThis article demonstrates that the impact of role models (RMs) on students’ self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention is moderated by their entrepreneurial experience and personality variables such as self-esteem and locus of control. 276 students enrolled in an entrepreneurship education programs (EEPs) were exposed to either a positive or a negative sensitisation message by alumni who became entrepreneurs to test its impact on the students’ self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. Findings indicate that students with entrepreneurial experience, high self-esteem and internal locus of control are less impacted by entrepreneurial role models. We discuss the relevance and effectiveness of role models in EEPs

The impact of role models on entrepreneurial intentions and behavior: a review of the literature

“…In other words, individuals with successful role models enjoy a greater amount of self-efficacy (Boyd and Vozikis 1994) and have lower fear of failure (Wyrwich et al 2018) due to their role models. Gibson (2004) and Buunk and Gibson (2007) found that making 'upward or downward comparisons' with different types of role models has positive effects on entrepreneurial intentions (Brunel et al 2017). In line with social comparison theory, they find that individuals usually make an 'upward comparison' with the model and believe they will be at least as successful as the model they observed.…”

“…Consequently, it is argued that not only the existence of role models is consequential but also the achievements of an entrepreneurial career conveyed by those role models (Davidsson 1995;Scherer et al 1989a). For example, several findings emphasize that exposure to a successful ERM has a favorable impact on entrepreneurial behavior (e.g., Boissin et al 2011;Boyd and Vozikis 1994;Brunel et al 2017). This exposure has been argued to increase entrepreneurial intentions to start new businesses by facilitating information concerning attainable opportunities, by providing particular guidance and help, or by creating encouraging surroundings that foster entrepreneurial outcomes (BarNir et al 2011).…”

“…In line with social comparison theory, they find that individuals usually make an 'upward comparison' with the model and believe they will be at least as successful as the model they observed. They find that exposure to either failed or successful entrepreneurs has a positive impact on individuals' entrepreneurial intention (Brunel et al 2017). Additionally, it is assumed that exposure to negative or 'low-performing' models creates a practical and rational view for observers and helps them to learn from the mistakes of others (Scherer et al 1989a).…”

“…Additionally, it is assumed that exposure to negative or 'low-performing' models creates a practical and rational view for observers and helps them to learn from the mistakes of others (Scherer et al 1989a). Consequently, it is suggested that despite the usefulness of both successful and failed models in entrepreneurship education (Schwarz et al 2009;Brunel et al 2017), arranging exposure to successful entrepreneurs at early ages (elementary or secondary schools) is likely to increase entrepreneurial intentions, particularly in those groups of children without entrepreneurial parents (Scherer et al 1989b). Table 9 summarizes the research in this subcategory.…”

Internal locus of control and entrepreneurial intention: A study on vocational high school students

“…Additionally, the findings also show that internal locus of control is critical to building individual intention in entrepreneurship [17]. Personality traits such as locus of control play a decisive role in increasing entrepreneurial intention, as individuals with an internal locus of control believe that they will succeed in entrepreneurship [18]. Internal locus of control is the individual's perception that an event depends on the behavior or the characteristics inherent in the individual [19].…”