Author

  • Chuah Soo Cheng

    • Faculty of Business and Management, University Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
    • Malaysia
  • Juliana Noor Kamaruddin

    • Faculty of Business and Management, University Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
    • Malaysia
  • Theng-Huey Goh

    • Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia
    • Malaysia
  • Inaya Sari Melati

    • Department of Economics Education, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Malaysia
    • Malaysia

Abstract

Digitalization has caused significant changes in the evolution of entrepreneurial business models, evolving new digital business prospects and opportunities with the creation of online businesses. Digitalization form of entrepreneurial activity known as digital entrepreneurship. This provides new self-employment opportunities for university students to establish a new venture. This study investigates the social capital factors of digital entrepreneurial role model, innovative cognition and social media adroitness in influencing digital entrepreneurship intention among university students in Malaysia. Using purposive and convenience sampling methods, a sample of 399 data points was collected from university students in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The PLS-SEM analysis results showed that the digital entrepreneurial role model, innovative cognition and social media adroitness significantly influenced digital entrepreneurship among university students. The findings of this study provide meaningful implications for policymakers and educational institutions.

Keywords

References

  • Ahmad, K. S., Abdul Rahim, N., Abd Samad, K., Mohamad, M. S., & Juhari, J. (2022). Assessing Factors of Digital Entrepreneurial Intention among the Young Generation. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(10), 1284–1295. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v12-i10/14995
  • Al Halbusi, H., Soto-Acosta, P. & Popa, S. (2022). Entrepreneurial passion, role models and self-perceived creativity as antecedents of e-entrepreneurial intention in an emerging Asian economy: The moderating effect of social media. Asia Pacific Journal of Management.
  • Al Halbusi, H., Soto-Acosta, P., & Popa, S. (2022). Entrepreneurial passion, role models and self-perceived creativity as antecedents of e-entrepreneurial intention in an emerging Asian economy: The moderating effect of social media. Asia Pacific Journal of Management. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-022-09857-2
  • Alferaih, A. (2022). Starting a New Business? Assessing University Students’ Intentions towards Digital Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Information Management Data Insights, 2(2), 100087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjimei.2022.100087
  • Armstrong, S. J., & Hird, A. (2009). Cognitive style and entrepreneurial drive of new and mature business owner-managers. Journal of Business and Psychology, 24(4), 419–430. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-009-9114-4
  • Auken, H. V., Fry, F. L., & Stephens, P. (2006). The influence of role models on entrepreneurial intentions. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 11(2), 157–167.
  • Bandura, A., &, & McClelland, D. C. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice Hall.
  • Becker, J. M., Cheah, J. H., Gholamzade, R., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2023). PLS-SEM’s most wanted guidance. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 35(1), 321–346. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-04-2022-0474
  • Belch, M. A., Krentler, K. A., & Willis-Flurry, L. A. (2005). Teen internet mavens: Influence in family decision making. Journal of Business Research, 58(5), 569–575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2003.08.005
  • Ben Youssef, A., Boubaker, S., Dedaj, B., & Carabregu-Vokshi, M. (2021). Digitalization of the economy and entrepreneurship intention. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 164, 120043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120043
  • Ben Youssef, A., Boubaker, S., Dedaj, B., & Carabregu-Vokshi, M. (2021). Digitalization of the economy and entrepreneurship intention. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 164(January 2018), 120043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120043
  • Bosma, N., Hessels, J., Schutjens, V., Praag, M. Van, & Verheul, I. (2012). Entrepreneurship and role models. Journal of Economic Psychology, 33(2), 410–424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2011.03.004
  • Buttner, E. H., & Gryskiewicz, N. (1993). Entrepreneurs’ Problem-Solving Styles: an Empirical Study Using the Kirton Adaptation/Innovation Theory. Journal of Small Business Management, 31(1), 22–31. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=9511131261&site=ehost-live
  • Cohen, J. (1992). A power primer. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 155–159. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.112.1.155
  • De Carolis, D. M., & Saparito, P. (2006). Social Capital, Cognition, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities: A Theoretical Framework. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 30(1), 41–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6520.2006.00109.x
  • Dhir, A., Kaur, P., & Rajala, R. (2018). Why do young people tag photos on social networking sites? Explaining user intentions. International Journal of Information Management, 38(1), 117–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2017.07.004
  • Driga, O., Lafuente, E. & Vaillant, Y. (2005). Gender differences in entrepreneurial activity: an analysis of informal institutional factors. Internet: http://www.sbaer.uca.edu/research/ icsb/2005/065.pdf; downloaded on 18 August 2007.
  • Dutta, D.K., Gwebu, K.L., & Wang, J. (2015). “Personal innovativeness in technology, related knowledge and experience, and entrepreneurial intentions in emerging technology industries: a process of causation or effectuation? International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 11(3), 529–555. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-013-0287-y
  • Dutta, D.K., Gwebu, K.L., & Wang, J. (2015). Personal innovativeness in technology, related knowledge and experience, and entrepreneurial intentions in emerging technology industries: a process of causation or effectuation? International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 11(3), 529–555. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-013-0287-y
  • Efrata, T. C., Hadiwidjojo, D., & Aisjah, S. (2016). Entrepreneurship Education and Entrepreneurial Role Models: How do they affect Entrepreneurial Intentions? Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 10(8), 53–59. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
  • Elia, G., Margherita, A., & Passiante, G. (2020). Digital entrepreneurship ecosystem: How digital technologies and collective intelligence are reshaping the entrepreneurial process. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 150, 119791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119791
  • Faul, F., Erdfelder, E, Lang, A. G., & Buchner, A. (2007). G*Power 3: A flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behavior Research Methods, 39(2), 175–191. https://doi.org/10.3758/bf03193146. PMID: 17695343
  • Fellnhofer, K., & Mueller, S. (2018). I want to be like you!”: The influence of role models on entrepreneurial intention. Journal of Enterprising Culture, 26(2), 113–153. https://doi.org/10.1142/S021849581850005X%0A
  • Fellnhofer, K. (2018). Europe PMC Funders Group The Power of Passion in Entrepreneurship Education?: Entrepreneurial Role Models Encourage Passion?? 20(1), 58–87.
  • Fellnhofer, K. (2017). Entrepreneurship education revisited: Perceived entrepreneurial role models increase perceived behavioural control. International Journal of Learning and Change, 9(3), 260–283. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJLC.2017.086856
  • Fornahl, D. (2003). Entrepreneurial activities in a regional context. In T. in Fornahl, D., & Brenner (Ed.), Cooperation, Networks and Institutions in Regional Innovation Systems (pp. 38–57). Edward Elgar.
  • Franke, G., & Sarstedt, M. (2019). Heuristics versus statistics in discriminant validity testing: a comparison of four procedures. Internet Research, 29(3), 430–447.
  • Gibson, D. E. (2004). Role models in career development: New directions for theory and research. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65(1), 134–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-8791(03)00051-4
  • Guiso, L., Sapienza, P., & Zingales, L. (2004). The role of social capital in financial development. American Economic Review, 94(3), 526–556. https://doi.org/10.1257/0002828041464498
  • Guthrie, C. (2014). The digital factory: A hands-on learning project in digital entrepreneurship. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 7(1), 115–133.
  • Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2022). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) (3rd ed.). Sage.
  • Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2022). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Sage.
  • Hair, J., & Alamer, A. (2022). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in second language and education research: Guidelines using an applied example. Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 1(3), 100027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmal.2022.100027
  • Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115–135.
  • Hurt, H. T., Joseph, K., & Cook, C. D. (1977). Scales for the Measurement of Innovativeness. Human Communication Research, 4(1), 58–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.1977.tb00597.x
  • Jackson, D. N. (1976). Jackson Personality Inventory manual. Research Psychologists Press.
  • Jin, D., Liu, X., Zhang, F., & Wen, Z. (2023). Entrepreneurial role models and college students’ entrepreneurial calling: A moderated mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(February), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1129495
  • Karimi, S., Biemans, H. J. A., Lans, T., Chizari, M., & Mulder, M. (2014). Effects of role models and gender on students’ entrepreneurial intentions. European Journal of Training and Development, 38(8), 694–727. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-03-2013-0036
  • Kirton, M. (1976). Adaptors and innovators: A description and measure. Journal of Applied Psychology, 61(5), 622–629. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.61.5.622
  • Kock, N. (2015). Common method bias in PLS-SEM: A full collinearity assessment approach. International Journal of E-Collaboration, 11(4), 1–10.
  • Kock, N., & Lynn, G. S. (2012). Lateral collinearity and misleading results in variance-based SEM: An illustration and recommendations. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 13(7), 546–580. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00302
  • Kraus, S., Palmer, C., Kailer, N., Kallinger, F. L., & Spitzer, J. (2019). Digital entrepreneurship: A research agenda on new business models for the twenty-first century. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 25(2), 353–375. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-06-2018-0425
  • Laviolette, E. M., Radu, M., & Brunel, O. (2012). The impact of story-bound entrepreneurial role models on self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 18(6), 720–742.
  • Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79–122.
  • Lester, D., Loyd, D. &, & Mitchell, T. (2012). Marketing mavens’ fusion with social media. Atlantic Marketing Journal, 1(1), 6.
  • Lester, D., Tudor, R., Dolly, D., & Tyra, M. (2012). Marketing Mavens’ Fusion with Social Media. Atlantic Marketing …, 1(1), Article 6. http://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/amj/vol1/iss1/6/
  • Li, S., Bu, Y., Zhang, Z., & Huang, Y. (2024). Digital entrepreneurship intention and digital entrepreneurship behavior: the mediating role of managing learning and entrepreneurship education. Education and Training, 66(2–3), 195–212. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-05-2023-0176
  • Lin, N. (2003). Social capital, a theory of social structure and action. Cambridge University Press.
  • Liñán, F., &, & Santos, F. J. (2007). Does social capital affect entrepreneurial intentions? International Advances in Economic Research, 13, 443–453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11294-007-9109-8
  • Mahfud, T., Triyono, M. B., Sudira, P., & Mulyani, Y. (2020). The influence of social capital and entrepreneurial attitude orientation on entrepreneurial intentions: the mediating role of psychological capital. European Research on Management and Business Economics, 26(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iedeen.2019.12.005
  • Malebana, M. J. (2016). The effect of entrepreneurial role models on entrepreneurial intention in South Africa. Journal of Contemporary Management, 13(1), 90–116. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC185649
  • Manea, D. I., Istudor, N., Dinu, V., & Paraschiv, D. M. (2021). Circular economy and innovative entrepreneurship, prerequisites for social progress. Journal of Business Economics and Management, 22(5), 1342–1359. https://doi.org/10.3846/jbem.2021.15547
  • Markus, M. L., & Loebbecke, C. (2013). Commoditized Digital Processes and Business Community Platforms: New Opportunities and Challenges for Digital Business Strategies. MIS Quarterly, 37(2), 649–653. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43825930
  • Marvel, M. R., Davis, J. L., & Sproul, C. R. (2016). Human Capital and Entrepreneurship Research: A Critical Review and Future Directions. Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice, 40(3), 599–626. https://doi.org/10.1111/etap.12136
  • Mickiewicz, T., Nyakudya, F. W., Theodorakopoulos, N., & Hart, M. (2017). Resource endowment and opportunity cost effects along the stages of entrepreneurship. Small Business Economics, 48(4), 953–976. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26154729
  • Mickiewicz, T., Nyakudya, F. W., Theodorakopoulos, N., & Hart, M. (2017). Resource endowment and opportunity cost effects along the stages of entrepreneurship. Small Business Economics, 48(4), 953–976. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26154729
  • Minniti, M., & Nardone, C. (2007). Being in Someone Else’s Shoes: The Role of Gender in Nascent. Small Business Economics, 28, 223–238. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-006-9017-y
  • Mir, A. A., Hassan, S., & Khan, S. J. (2023). Understanding digital entrepreneurial intentions: A capital theory perspective. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 18(12), 6165–6191. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-05-2021-0687
  • Mirjana, P. B., Ana, A., & Marjana, M. S. (2018). Examining determinants of entrepreneurial intentions in Slovenia: applying the theory of planned behaviour and an innovative cognitive style. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istrazivanja , 31(1), 1453–1471. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2018.1478321
  • Mueller, S. L., & Thomas, A. S. (2001). Culture and entrepreneurial potential: A nine-country study of locus of control and innovativeness. Journal of Business Venturing, 16(1), 51–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-9026(99)00039-7
  • Mungai, E. & Velamuri, S. R. (2011). Parental entrepreneurial role model influence on male offspring: Is it always positive and when does it occur? Journal of Business Venturing, 35, 337–357.
  • Nambisan, S. (2017). Digital Entrepreneurship: Toward a Digital Technology Perspective of Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice, 41(6), 1029–1055. https://doi.org/10.1111/etap.12254
  • Nauta, M. M., & Kokaly, M. L. (2001). Assessing role model influences on students’ academic and vocational decisions. Journal of Career Assessment, 9(1), 81–99.
  • Nguyen, P. N-D., & Nguyen, H. H. (2024). Unveiling the link between digital entrepreneurship education and intention among university students in an emerging economy. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 203, 123330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123330
  • Podsakoff, P. M., MacKenzie, S. B., Lee, J.-Y., & Podsakoff, N. P. (2003). Common method biases in behavioral research: A critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(5), 879–903. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.88.5.879
  • Richardson, J. (1986). Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education. In J. Richardson (Ed.), The Forms of Capital (p. 377). Greenwood Press.
  • Richardson, J. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241–258). Greenwood.
  • Ringle, C. M., Wende, S., & Becker, J.-M. (2024). SmartPLS Release: 4. https://www.smartpls.com
  • Scherer, R., Adams, J., Carley, S., &, & Wiebe, F. (1989). Role model performance effects on the development of entrepreneurial career preferences. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 13(3), 53–71.
  • Shmueli, G., Sarstedt, M., Hair, J. F., Cheah, J. H., Ting, H., Vaithilingam, S., & Ringle, C. M. (2019). Predictive model assessment in PLS-SEM: guidelines for using PLS-SEM. European Journal of Marketing, 53(11), 2322–2347. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-02-2019-0189
  • Sobaih, A. E. E., & Elshaer, I. A. (2022). Personal Traits and Digital Entrepreneurship: A Mediation Model Using SmartPLS Data Analysis. Mathematics, 10(21), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/math10213926
  • Standing, C., & Mattsson, J. (2016). “Fake it until you make it”: business model conceptualization in digital entrepreneurship. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 26(5), 385–399. https://doi.org/10.1080/0965254X.2016.1240218
  • Stuart, R.W., & Abetti, P. A. (1990). Impact of entrepreneurial and management experience on early performance. Journal of Business Venturing, 5(3), 151–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/0883-9026(90)90029-S
  • Talwar, S., Dhir, A., Khalil, A., Mohan, G., & Islam, A. K. M. N. (2020). Point of adoption and beyond. Initial trust and mobile-payment continuation intention. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 55, 102086. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102086
  • Walter, S., & Dohse, D. (1986). The Interplay between Entrepreneurship Education and Regional Knowledge Potential in Forming Entrepreneurial Intentions. In Working Paper Kiel Institute for the World Economy (Issue 1549). https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/106013/kwp_1549.pdf
  • Wibowo, A., Narmaditya, B. S., Saptono, A., Effendi, M. S., Mukhtar, S., & Mohd Shafiai, M. H. (2023). Does Digital Entrepreneurship Education Matter for Students’ Digital Entrepreneurial Intentions? The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Alertness. Cogent Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2221164
  • Yang, J.-H. (2019). The Effect of Role Model on Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Entrepreneurial Intention: Focused on Korean and Chinese University Students *. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship, 14(2), 211–220.
  • Zamzami, I. F. (2021). The key enabling criteria of e-entrepreneurship: evolving practices and implementation in Saudi Arabia. SN Business & Economics, 1(9), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43546-021-00110-4

Downloads

No downloads have been recorded for this article yet. Figures appear here once readers begin downloading the full text.

How to Cite

Cheng, C. S., Kamaruddin, J. N., Goh, T.-H., & Melati, I. S. (2025). Assessing the Influence of Digital Entrepreneurial Role Model, Innovative Cognition and Social Media Adroitness on Digital Entrepreneurial Intention Among University Students in Malaysia. Information Management and Business Review, 17(2(I)S), 384-394. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v17i2(I)S.4614

Share this article

Section

Research Paper

Published

2025-08-10

Submissions

Have research to publish? Information Management and Business Review welcomes submissions.

Make a Submission