Who wants to be a social entrepreneur? The role of gender and sustainability orientation

ABSTRACT

This study investigates how gender and sustainability orientation shape the effects of perceived desirability and feasibility on social entrepreneurial intentions. It provides indication that the effects differ in comparison to general entrepreneurial intentions. Data from 601 students indicates that women are more likely to translate positive desirability into social entrepreneurial intentions. We further show that a high level of sustainability orientation enhances the effect of perceived desirability and perceived feasibility on the intent to become a social entrepreneur, but is hardly associated with general entrepreneurial intentions. The findings provide insights for better targeting and supporting future social entrepreneurs.

KEYWORDS:

• Entrepreneurship
• social entrepreneurship
• entrepreneurial intention
• gender
• sustainability orientation
• quantitative