Too Much of a Good Thing? The Paradox of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Effort

Shujing Lei

doi:10.62177/chst.v2i4.830

Authors

Shujing Lei Xi'an Polytechnic University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62177/chst.v2i4.830

Keywords:

Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Promotional Moderation Focus, Preventative Moderation Focus, Entrepreneurial Effort

Abstract

Based on moderator-focus theory, this study reveals the nonlinear influence mechanism of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial effort and explores the moderating roles of promotional and preventative moderator focuses. An experiment was designed within an entrepreneurial competition context, collecting 580 valid questionnaire responses. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to test the model hypotheses. Empirical findings indicate: (1) A significant inverted U-shaped relationship exists between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial effort; (2) Promotive moderation positively moderates the inverted U-shaped effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial effort; (3) Preventive moderation negatively moderates the inverted U-shaped effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial effort.

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