Abstract:
Several previous scholars have investigated the relationship between entrepreneurial
intention (EI) and entrepreneurial competencies (ECs), yet categorising individual ECs
in relation to higher-order competence constructs has not been explored. Based
on the previous literature studies, four higher-order constructs are identified, namely
cognitive, functional, social/personal and meta-competence. Investigating which ECs
are categorised according to the four higher-order constructs in this relationship with
EI is important as it contributes to the development and training of these antecedents
of entrepreneurial behaviour. Data are collected from 203 nascent entrepreneurs in
South Africa and analysed by using structural equation modelling. In this developing
country context, only two higher-order constructs, cognitive/functional competence and
social/personal competence, fit the data in relationship with EI. The strongest positive
relationships were found between the cognitive and functional higher-order construct,
opportunity recognition and opportunity assessment, conveying a compelling vision
and creative problem-solving. The cognitive and functional higher-order competence
construct also showed a strong positive relationship with EI. To improve pedagogical
interventions and enhance EI, educators and policymakers can use these findings in
entrepreneurship programmes to ensure that this higher-order competence construct
with the individual ECs in this category are developed simultaneously rather than
individually. Research efforts and support programmes that include cognitive and
functional higher-order competence constructs for nascent entrepreneurs should
therefore not be neglected. Such efforts and programmes can encourage EI, which in
turn can enhance entrepreneurial behaviour, thereby potentially contributes to economic
growth and employment creation.
