Entrepreneurial Role-Model Exposure, Self-Efficacy, and Women’s Entrepreneurial Intentions

We examined entrepreneurial role-model exposure (operationalized in terms of both the number of role models known and the intensity of interactions with one’s most influential role model) and self-efficacy as predictors of women’s entrepreneurial intentions. Among 620 female college students, self-efficacy and number of entrepreneurial role models were both associated with stronger entrepreneurial intentions. Among the 105 women who had at least one entrepreneurial role model, the intensity of interactions with the most influential of those role models was also associated with entrepreneurial intentions. Consistent with Social Cognitive Career Theory, self-efficacy mediated the relationships between both forms of role-model exposure and entrepreneurial intentions. Contrary to Bandura’s similarity hypothesis, the association between role-model exposure and self-efficacy was not stronger when access to female entrepreneurs was present. We discuss implications for future research and for career intervention.