Embracing paradoxes to fuel entrepreneurial intentions: The moderating role of temporal focus

Drawing upon the paradox theory, this study examines how an individual’s paradox mindset drives their entrepreneurial intentions via entrepreneurial self-efficacy under the moderation of past, current, and future focus. Findings from Study 1, a one-factor, two-level within-subjects design, supported the relationship between paradox mindset and entrepreneurial intentions and the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Study 2, a two-wave survey, confirmed the findings in Study 1. Results also reveal that past focus strengthens the link between paradox mindset and entrepreneurial intentions via entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Meanwhile, this link is attenuated when individuals strongly focus on the present and is not significantly influenced when they strongly focus on the future. We discuss theoretical contributions and managerial implications and suggest areas for future research.