Determinants of Social Entrepreneurial Intentions

This paper tests the model proposed by Mair and Noboa (2006) who identify four antecedents which they suggest predict social entrepreneurial intentions and behavior. This study tests the Mair and Noboa model and extends it by including prior experience with social problems as an additional variable. Results indicate that prior experience is positively linked to social entrepreneurial intentions. Moreover, this effect is mediated by the antecedents suggested by Mair and Noboa. The findings suggest that self-efficacy has both the biggest impact on intentions as well as being itself most responsive to prior experience. Empathy and perceived social support are found to play somewhat less important roles. While moral obligation on its own has also an impact this effect is eclipsed by the three other variables. The study also shows that both experience and intentions are predictors of social entrepreneurial behavior of master students such as evidenced in the number of electives selected which have a social entrepreneurial profile.