SELF-EFFICACY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL CHARACTERISTICS INFLUENCE ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION: WHICH ONE FITS BETTER?

This study sought to identify what is the behavioral aspect (self-efficacy or entrepreneurial characteristics) that fits better in entrepreneurship intention model. Two models were developed to assess both behavioral aspects and their relationship with entrepreneurial intention using entrepreneurial education as a control variable. Quantitative methodology was employed, and data was analyzed by Structural Equation Models using the Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) technique. The sample consisted of 1,004 Brazilian university students, from public and private universities located in two states. The results indicate that entrepreneurial characteristics is a better explanation to entrepreneurial intention models, when compared to self-efficacy; also, entrepreneurial characteristics represent a more sensitive model, which brings accurate assessments on factors that affects entrepreneurial intention. The research brings complementary understanding on entrepreneurial intention influencers and provides further comprehension in the relationship of behavioral aspects and entrepreneurial intention.