Do Entrepreneurial Characteristics Moderate the Relationship between Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurial Mindset?

Abstract

This study aims not only to verify ‘the experiential learning–entrepreneurial mindset relationship’, but also to test which entrepreneurial characteristics (i.e., innovativeness, risk-taking propensity, need for achievement, and proactiveness) moderate ‘the experiential learning–entrepreneurial mindset relationship’. The data were collected from 313 undergraduate students who have already taken the entrepreneurship course and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis. The results showed the positive relationships between experiential learning and elaboration mindset, and between experiential learning and implementing mindset. However, need for achievement and proactiveness were found to moderate ‘the experiential learning–entrepreneurial mindset relationship’, whereas innovativeness and risk-taking propensity did not moderate that relationship. This study provides theoretical implications in extending the literature of experiential learning theory, Dweck’s implicit theory of intelligence, and entrepreneurial characteristics. This study also has practical implications for entrepreneurship educators.