Self-leadership and spiritual intelligence effects on entrepreneurial self-efficacy: The mediating role of academic achievement

This study investigates the effects of self-leadership and spiritual intelligence on entrepreneurial self-efficacy, with academic achievement examined as a mediating variable. A quantitative survey was conducted among 107 final-year students enrolled in informatics engineering, information systems, and informatics management programs. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that self-leadership and spiritual intelligence significantly influence academic achievement and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Academic achievement also significantly and positively affects entrepreneurial self-efficacy. In addition, self-leadership and spiritual intelligence have significant indirect effects on entrepreneurial self-efficacy through academic achievement, indicating that academic achievement plays a partial mediating role. These results suggest that students' self-regulatory capacity and spiritual intelligence are associated with stronger entrepreneurial confidence, both directly and through academic performance. The study highlights the importance of developing personal and academic resources to strengthen entrepreneurial self-efficacy among university students.