Impact of social capital on entrepreneurial intention: the moderating role of entrepreneurship education

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to use an extended theory of planned behavior framework to examine how social capital (SC) influences attitude (ATT), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and subjective norm (SN), shaping entrepreneurial intention (EI) in Vietnamese undergraduate students. It explores the moderating effect of entrepreneurship education (EE) on the relationships between key psychological drivers and EI. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey involving 339 university students in Vietnam was conducted for this study. Applying the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach, the study evaluated how SC indirectly influences EI and how EE moderates the relationships between ATT, SN, ESE and EI. Findings The results confirm that SC has a positive effect on the development of EI, specifically through its components of ESE, ATT and SN. EE positively moderates the relationships between ESE and ATT with EI. However, its moderating role in the relationship between SN and EI was not supported. Practical implications The study’s findings can help higher education educators and policymakers enhance entrepreneurship. Tailored EE programs that leverage students’ social networks and psychological readiness can enhance EIs. Originality/value This research offers three main contributions: conceptualizing SC as a second-order factor influencing EI, highlighting ESE as a mediator and demonstrating the moderating role of EE in enhancing student EI in an emerging market context.