Chapter 17: Linking Entrepreneurial Orientation Dimensions to Entrepreneurial Intention: Role of Openness to Experience as a Mediating Variable

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and entrepreneurial intentions (EI) both are prominent factors in the entrepreneurship domain to predict entrepreneurial behavior. Despite the fact, association between the EO sub-aspects and EI, as well as the indirect influence of the personality characteristic (Openness), has not been extensively investigated. The focus of this research study is to examine the association between sub-dimensions of EO, proactiveness, risk-taking, and innovativeness, and EI incorporating personality trait openness to experience (OTE) as mediating variable. Data is gathered from 164 professional course students. For the data analysis purpose, mediation analysis, multiple regression and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) have been performed. Findings imply that all the sub-aspects of EO are significantly correlated with EI and personality trait OTE acted as mediating construct in link amidst EO and EI. Practical and theoretical contribution have been discussed in this study.