TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test a theoretical model examining the potential impact of abstract thinking on entrepreneurial intentions (EI). The impact of perceived desirability of entrepreneurship on the relationship between abstraction and intentions was also examined.Design/methodology/approach A total of 155 participants completed measures of abstraction, self-efficacy, desirability and EI. Hierarchical regression was used. A bootstrapping approach was utilized to test for mediation.Findings High levels of abstraction were positively related to EI, while also interacting with self-efficacy. High levels of abstraction counteracted otherwise low levels of self-efficacy, resulting in subsequently higher intentions. The perceived desirability of entrepreneurship mediated the relationship between abstraction and EI.Research limitations/implications The scope of analysis and student population sample may limit generalizability.Practical implications The results identify a cognitive process that may help individuals overcome feasibility concerns. Entrepreneurial training programs might choose to instruct individuals that, when encountering a roadblock, they should focus on their ideals and the bigger picture rather than being discouraged by the challenges of the process.Originality/value The results provide insight into the psychological processes that lead individuals to become entrepreneurs. The study helps in explaining the mechanism by which a tendency toward abstract thinking leads to stronger EI and identifies an additional antecedent to individuals’ perceptions of desirability toward entrepreneurship.
VL  - 25
IS  - 2
SN  - 1355-2554
DO  - 10.1108/IJEBR-03-2018-0128
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-03-2018-0128
AU  - Bazzy Joshua D.
AU  - Smith Adam R.
AU  - Harrison Teresa
PY  - 2018
Y1  - 2018/01/01
TI  - The impact of abstract thinking on entrepreneurial intentions
T2  - International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 323
EP  - 337
Y2  - 2024/09/19
ER  -