Title: Exploring intergenerational influence on entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of perceived desirability and perceived feasibility

Authors: Saadat Saeed; Moreno Muffatto; Shumaila Y. Yousafzai

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 1 – 35131 Padua, Italy ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 1 – 35131 Padua, Italy ' Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Aberconway Building, Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK

Abstract: Children of self-employed parents are twice as likely as other children to become self-employed themselves, as family background exerts a significant influence on the values, attitudes, and behaviour one adopts. This study explores how entrepreneurial intentions are transmitted across generations within families. Using the data from 805 respondents and expanding upon Shapero and Sokol's model of intention in entrepreneurial events (SEE), we analyse the role of an entrepreneurial family background as an intergenerational influence on entrepreneurial intention and the underlying mediating effect of perceived desirability and perceived feasibility in starting a business.

Keywords: entrepreneurial intention; perceived desirability; perceived feasibility; intergenerational influence; entrepreneurship; family background; business startups.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2014.062877

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2014 Vol.18 No.2/3, pp.134 - 153

Received: 05 Nov 2013
Accepted: 17 Jan 2014
Published online: 18 Jul 2014 *

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