Role Models and Entrepreneurial Intention. The Moderating Effects of Experience, Locus of Control and Self-Esteem
Résumé
This 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 studentswith 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