The influence of work values of college students on entrepreneurial intention: The moderating role of psychological capital

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the influences of work values on entrepreneurial intention among college students. The moderating role of psychological capital was also examined. Materials and methods: A total of 723 college students were investigated with work values questionnaire, entrepreneurial intention scale and positive psychological capital Questionnaire. Results: Work values was significantly and positively correlated with entrepreneurial intention (r = 0.23, P < 0.001); Psychological capital was significantly and positively correlated with entrepreneurial intention (r = 0.33, P < 0.001); Psychological capital did not moderate the relationship between work values and entrepreneurial intention (β = 0.02, P > 0.05); Hope moderated the relationship between work values and unconditional entrepreneurial intention (β = 0.09, P < 0.05). The relationship between work values and unconditional entrepreneurial intention was stronger in the high hope group (simple slope = 0.21, p < 0.001) than in the low hope group (simple slope = 0.07, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hope moderates the relationship between work values and unconditional entrepreneurial intention. Improving the quality of hope can be used as an intervention to improve college students’ unconditional entrepreneurial intention.