The influence of role models and entrepreneurial support on the business start-up intentions of women and men

Abstract

This research examines how role models and entrepreneurial support distinctly affect the entrepreneurial intention of female vs male students in five universities located in South and Central America. Moreover, it examines how gender is related to variables such as entrepreneurial exposure, capability, intention, and subjective norms. We surveyed 1,213 undergraduate students in business-related fields using a correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional design. We conducted an univariate and bivariate descriptive statistical analysis, followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess various correlations and causal relationships. Our findings indicate that factors influencing entrepreneurial intention may differ between female and male students. Specifically, exposure to support services and role models may affect the entrepreneurial intention of female students differently than male students. Additionally, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms may not be positively correlated with entrepreneurial intention for either gender. This study provides insights into how entrepreneurial knowledge, capabilities, subjective norms, and intentions vary by gender in Latin American countries, contributing to the existing literature. It also offers gender-sensitive managerial recommendations to promote entrepreneurship in the region.