Impact of positivity and empathy on social entrepreneurial intention: The moderating role of perceived social support

• Published in: Journal of public affairs Vol. 21; no. 1
• Main Authors: Younis, Amna, Xiaobao, Peng, Nadeem, Muhammad Athar, Kanwal, Shamsa, Pitafi, Abdul Hameed, Qiong, Gui, Yuzhen, Duan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.02.2021
• Subjects: Efficacy; Empathy; Entrepreneurs; Entrepreneurship; Perceived social support; Positive emotions; Social change; Social entrepreneurship; Social support
• ISSN: 1472-3891; 1479-1854
• DOI: 10.1002/pa.2124

Social entrepreneurship is a growing area of interest among practitioners. Social entrepreneurship meets and satisfies social needs and brings social change through innovative ideas. This study aims to investigate the impact of positivity and empathy of individuals on social entrepreneurial intention. This study considers the mediating role of social entrepreneurial self‐efficacy between the relationship of positivity, empathy, and social entrepreneurial intention. In addition, this study investigates perceived social support as a boundary condition between the relationship of social entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and social entrepreneurial intention. Findings show that positivity and empathy positively influence social entrepreneurial self‐efficacy, which subsequently positively influences social entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, results show that high perceived social support strengthens the relationship between social entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and social entrepreneurial intention. Discussions and implications based on the study findings are reported.