Online social capital affecting digital entrepreneurial intention of public university students in Shanxi, China

Huijuan Zhang, Jirawan Deeprasert and Songyu Jiang

African Educational Research Journal
Published: January 14 2025
Volume 13, Issue 1
Pages 23-35
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30918/AERJ.131.24.068

Abstract

This study investigates how online social capital influences the digital entrepreneurial intentions (DEI) of university students, utilizing social capital theory and the Timmons entrepreneurial process model. Based on survey data from university students in Shanxi, China, and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, the findings indicate that online social capital significantly enhances DEI. Entrepreneurial opportunity identification mediates this relationship, while interpersonal reactivity moderates it by boosting psychological engagement. The study provides theoretical insights into the role of social capital in digital entrepreneurship and practical recommendations for fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems in developing regions.

Keywords: Online social capital, digital entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial passion, opportunity identification, interpersonal reactivity.

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