This study aims to investigate how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, as well as institutional and educational support, influence the formation of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial intentions (SOIs). By applying the self-determination theory (SDT), the research addresses gaps in understanding how these factors interact to shape entrepreneurial activities aligned with sustainability goals.
Using data from 385 participants, an advanced method – polynomial regression with response surface analysis – is used to examine the formulated conceptual framework.
The results indicate that intrinsic and extrinsic motivations significantly enhance SOIs, with greater alignment between these motivations further amplifying their positive effects. However, imbalances between these motivations do not significantly hinder entrepreneurial intentions. Institutional and educational support directly influences entrepreneurial intentions and indirectly shapes them by fostering intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.
The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators and universities.
This study extends existing research by integrating SDT to examine the balanced and imbalanced effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations on SOIs. It also highlights the role of institutional and educational support as antecedents of these motivations, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and promoting sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship.
