Factors affecting women’s entrepreneurial intention in Ho Chi Minh City: The mediating role of entrepreneurial competence

Abstract

This study identifies factors affecting women’s entrepreneurial intention in Ho Chi Minh City and examines the mediating role of entrepreneurial competence. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the model evaluates the effects of entrepreneurship education, attitude toward entrepreneurship, subjective norms, family support, and perceived gender barriers on entrepreneurial competence. Data from 230 women were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results show that entrepreneurship education, attitude toward entrepreneurship, and family support positively affect entrepreneurial competence, while subjective norms are not statistically significant. Perceived gender barriers have a positive effect, contrary to the initial hypothesis. Entrepreneurial competence strongly influences entrepreneurial intention and mediates four relationships between the antecedent factors and entrepreneurial intention. The findings provide implications for strengthening women’s entrepreneurial competence and promoting female entrepreneurship.
Keywords
entrepreneurial intention women entrepreneurs entrepreneurial competence entrepreneurship education family support

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