Title: The effects of entrepreneurial networking, proactiveness and entrepreneurial self-efficacy on opportunity recognition of young entrepreneurs

Authors: Said M. Khamis; Mohad Yusof

Addresses: Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Wisma UNIRAZAK, 195A, Jln Tun Razak, Hampshire Park, 50450, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Wisma UNIRAZAK, 195A, Jln Tun Razak, Hampshire Park, 50450, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: Opportunity recognition is an important aspect of entrepreneurship for young entrepreneurs to acquire through networking with different actors. However, little is known about the effect of entrepreneurial networking on the opportunity recognition of young entrepreneurs. Using a moderated mediation model of proactiveness and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, the study examined the effect of entrepreneurial networking on the opportunity recognition of young entrepreneurs. As such, social network and social cognitive theories guided this study, employing a quantitative research design. The study found that entrepreneurial networking has a positive effect on the opportunity recognition of young entrepreneurs. It found that proactiveness has both a significant negative interaction effect and is the contingent factor for the indirect effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial networking and opportunity recognition of young entrepreneurs. The findings have theoretical and managerial implications; entrepreneurial networking impacts opportunity recognition and increases the ability of young entrepreneurs to access more entrepreneurial opportunities.

Keywords: opportunity recognition; young entrepreneurs; entrepreneurial networking; proactiveness; entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEV.2024.142397

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, 2024 Vol.16 No.3, pp.294 - 316

Accepted: 08 Mar 2024
Published online: 29 Oct 2024 *

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