The Influence of Entrepreneurial Desires and Self-Efficacy on the Entrepreneurial Intentions of New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Students

This study investigates the motivational effects of entrepreneurial desires and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) as drivers of entrepreneurial intentions in tourism and hospitality (T&H) students. Additionally, the antecedents of entrepreneurial desires, such as anticipated emotions and entrepreneurial role models, are explored to understand motivational processes that lead to entrepreneurial intentions. Data from 177 surveys of T&H students in New Zealand were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to test the study’s hypotheses. The results found that ESE and entrepreneurial desires directly influenced entrepreneurial intentions. Additionally, the effect of entrepreneurial desires on entrepreneurial intentions was partially mediated by ESE. Also, entrepreneurial role models significantly predicted T&H student’s ESE and entrepreneurial desires. Finally, positive anticipated emotions predicted T&H student’s entrepreneurial desires. The study provides important implications to theory and practice to promote entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality education.