MOTIVATIONAL IMPACT OF ROLE MODELS AS MODERATED BY "IDEAL" VS. "OUGHT SELF-GUIDES" IDENTIFICATIONS

This experimental study tests the hypothesis that symbolic role models' impact on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and behavioural intention varies according to whether models appeal to the observers' "ideal self" or "ought self". We measure the effects of exposure to role models narratives appealing to the desire of either self-achievement or self-commitment as motivators to engage in an entrepreneurial project while still in the university and to start a business after graduation. 44 French undergraduate students enrolled in an entrepreneurial curriculum participated to this research during the Fall 2006.