Title: Bridging gender gaps in entrepreneurship through diverse learning environments and change tolerance

Authors: Ghada Haddad; Gloria Haddad; Virginie Hachard; Gautam Nagpal; Matteo Rossi

Addresses: Éklore-Ed School of Management. 3 Rue Saint-John Perse, 64000 Pau, France ' Faculty of Business Administration and Management, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon ' Métis Lab, EM Normandie Business School, 20 Quai Frissard, 76600, Le Havre, France ' Éklore-Ed School of Management. 3 Rue Saint-John Perse, 64000 Pau, France ' Department of Law Economics Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy; WSB Merito University, Zygmunta Cieplaka 1c, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poznan, Poland

Abstract: This study explores how diverse learning environments (DLE) influence entrepreneurial intentions and the moderating role of gender. By integrating the theory of planned behaviour with the concept of change tolerance, we examine how DLE - characterised by cultural and institutional diversity - impact students' entrepreneurial outcomes. Our findings indicate that immersive DLE enhance participants' perceived behavioural control, fostering proactive entrepreneurial mindsets among both male and female students. Contrary to traditional research highlighting significant gender differences in entrepreneurial attitudes, our results suggest that inclusive learning contexts can mitigate these disparities. This study contributes to the understanding of gender issues in entrepreneurship by demonstrating how educational environments can promote equality and enhance self-efficacy. The implications for business schools are substantial, as fostering DLE can nurture a diverse pool of entrepreneurs, ultimately driving economic growth and social development within various cultural contexts.

Keywords: entrepreneurial intentions; gender equality; entrepreneurial learning environment; theory of planned behaviour; TPB.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2026.153579

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2026 Vol.58 No.2, pp.202 - 223

Received: 20 Sep 2024
Accepted: 26 Oct 2024
Published online: 18 May 2026 *

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