Measuring entrepreneurial intent? Temporal construal theory shows it depends on your timing. Issue 5 (1st August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hallam, Cory; Zanella, Gianluca; Dorantes Dosamantes, Carlos Alberto; Cardenas, Cesar
• Editors: Jones, Paul; Shelton, LoisMarie
• Is Part Of: International journal of entrepreneurial behaviour & research. Volume 22:Issue 5(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-08-01
• Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; Small business -- Periodicals; 338.04
• DOI: 10.1108/IJEBR-09-2015-0202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-2554

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper investigates the influence of temporal construal theory on entrepreneurial intention models using a three-country study. Inclusion of temporal construal theory in intent models would suggest path dependent influence on intent, and more specifically, that intent may be subdivided into temporally-based categories, broadly codified as short-term and long-term intent. Design/methodology/approach: A quasi-experimental study of 1, 046 university students in business and engineering from the US, Mexico, and Spain was conducted. A temporal construal model of intent is proposed, including measures of short-term and long-term intent. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy, part of the perceived behavioral control in the theory of planned behavior, is utilized to structure the model antecedents. Findings: The results suggest the existence of differences in individual entrepreneurial intent measures depending on the individual's perception of when the entrepreneurial event is anticipated to occur in their lives. Utilizing an entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) construct we demonstrate that short-term entrepreneurial intent significantly mediates the effect of ESE on long-term entrepreneurial intent. Furthermore, the results identify a mediating model that does not depend on regional country differences, thus supporting the generalizability of the findings. Originality/value: The paper bridges temporal construal theory and entrepreneurial intentions to qualify the path dependent effects of this psychological phenomena and its impact on identifying nascent entrepreneurs. The multi-country results indicate the ability to generalize the findings into a more complete theoretical model of entrepreneurial intention and suggests potential improvements in predictive models that currently use single or averaged measures of entrepreneurial intent.