The influence of experience and cognitive style on international entrepreneurial intentions: The contribution of academic education in this relation

Abstract

Introduction. The paper at hand examines the influence of Cognitive Style (CS) and International Experience (IE) on International Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (IESE) and International Entrepreneurial Intention (IEI) as well as the role of Academic Education (AE) in this context. Method. Based on a survey that was conducted among 111 students the hypotheses were verified by means of various structural equation models. Results. The results showed that IE significantly influences IEI whereas the influence of CS on IEI is significant in none of the models. IESE is neither influenced by IE nor by CS. Discussion. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1) Both Cognitive Styles (CS), analytical as well as intuitive, have to be promoted in Academic Education; (2) Further research is need in measuring Cognitive Style (CS); (3) Existing IE acquired in Academic Education can make an important contribution to overcome obstacles in the formation of IEIs; (4) In contrary to Ajzen (1985) experience can be more than a background factor in contexts like international entrepreneurship. © Education & Phochology I+D+i and Editorial EOS (Spain).