The role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and resilience in influencing entrepreneurial transition decisions from hybrid to full-time entrepreneurship

Abstract

While entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and resilience (ER) are known to influence entrepreneurial transitions, existing models are often based on stable economies. This study addresses a critical gap by investigating their combined influence on the transition from hybrid to full-time entrepreneurship within the high-adversity, resource-constrained context of South Africa. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional approach, the study surveyed 195 Black South African professionals who were either currently hybrid entrepreneurs or had recently transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship. Hypotheses were tested using regression analysis and Hayes parallel multiple mediator model to assess the individual, combined, and mediating effects of ESE and ER on entrepreneurial transition decisions (ETD). Findings show that both ESE and ER positively influence ETD. However, ER emerged as the stronger predictor (H1b: β = 0.80, R² = 0.37), explaining more of the variation in transition decisions than ESE (H1a: β = 0.57, R² = 0.09). In the combined model, ER remained the main factor, while ESE had a smaller effect. Additionally, ESE partially mediated the relationship between ER and ETD, indicating that resilience also directly influences transition decisions, beyond its role in building confidence (H3: β = .797, R² = 0.378). These findings suggest that in high-adversity contexts, psychological resilience is the prerequisite for self-efficacy. Support ecosystems for South African entrepreneurs must therefore move beyond traditional skills-based (ESE) training to actively build psychological resilience to navigate structural economic challenges. As the study is cross-sectional, it cannot confirm cause-and-effect relationships, and future research should use longitudinal methods to explore how ESE and ER develop over time during the transition process.