Self-realization, fear of failure and entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of grit and perceived opportunity recognition

Purpose The underlying mechanisms through which entrepreneurial intention is actualized remain inconclusive. This study examines the effects of grit and perceived opportunity recognition in the relationship between self-realization, the fear of failure and entrepreneurial intention. Design/methodology/approach A survey research approach was adopted, and data were collected using an online Google Form questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to the students' school emails, and 288 responses were valid for the study. SmartPLS and STATA statistical software were applied in the analysis. Findings The findings from the study indicate that self-realization directly and indirectly affects entrepreneurial intention through grit and perceived opportunity recognition. While the fear of failure shows a direct negative effect on entrepreneurial intention, a positive and significant relationship exists between the fear of failure and perceived opportunity recognition, advancing the debate on the dual nature of the fear of failure. Additionally, the relationship between fear of failure and entrepreneurial intention was mediated by perceived opportunity recognition. Research limitations/implications One of the limitations in this study is the treatment of grit as a stable or unchanging construct. Research has shown that grit could be developed over time with knowledge and experience. Future research can consider the effects of grit at different stages of development to advance the debate on the stability of grit. Originality/value This study extends the knowledge on cognitive and non-cognitive traits in entrepreneurship by examining the mediating role of grit and perceived opportunity recognition in the relationship between self-realization, the fear of failure and entrepreneurial intention. A model that is underexplored in academic literature.