Empathy and social entrepreneurial intention : the role of social entrepreneurial self-efficacy and institution support structure

The article aims to develop a comprehensive framework to explain how empathy impacts social entrepreneurial intention. Specifically, this article answers two questions: How does social entrepreneurial self-efficacy mediate the relationship between empathy and social entrepreneurial intention? and How is the nexus between empathy and social entrepreneurial intention moderated by institutional support structure? A sample of 502 university students in Vietnam was utilized to examine the research model. Hayes' PROCESS macro, especially Model 4 and Model 5, was respectively employed to estimate the mediating role of social entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the moderating effect of the institution's support structure in the nexus of empathy and social entrepreneurial intention. Our study found that empathy has a direct positive effect on social entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, we discovered that this effect is amplified by social entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the support provided by institutions. Our findings shed light on the complex interplay between empathy, self-efficacy, and institutional support in shaping social entrepreneurial intention. This knowledge can help educators, policymakers, and aspiring entrepreneurs foster a more supportive and empathetic ecosystem for social innovation.