From Dream to Reality: The Ambivalent Role of Nascent Entrepreneurs’ Motivation in the Intention-Action Gap

Abstract

Abstract This paper addresses nascent entrepreneurs’ intention-action gap by examining the predictive and the moderating role of different types of motivations. We draw on the theory of planned behavior and on action theory to explain the entrepreneurial action of 205 student nascent entrepreneurs operating in academic incubators within the French higher education system. Our results demonstrate an indirect influence of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation on entrepreneurial action. When referring to motivation as moderating the relationship between intention and action, we show that mid-levels of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation reinforce the positive association between nascent entrepreneurs’ intentions and actions. Our study demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between motivational and volitional phases of the entrepreneurial process, and provides new insights for academic institutions seeking to incubate businesses created by student nascent entrepreneurs.