How civic engagement sparks entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of well-being

The underlying mechanism by which civic engagement promotes entrepreneurial intention remains insufficiently understood. This paper aims to develop a theoretical model proposing that eudaimonic well-being mediates the connection between civic engagement and entrepreneurial intention. The models are tested on a representative sample extracted from the Gallup World Poll, which consists of 104,342 individuals across 35 countries worldwide. The primary methodological approach is the multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model, with structural equation modeling used as a supplementary analysis. The findings reveal that the sense of connection and commitment towards the greater community is strongly associated with the intention to start a business. More importantly, the study highlights the role of eudaimonic well-being, which is one of the key psychological benefits of civic engagement, in mediating the relationship between civic engagement and entrepreneurial intention. The hedonic aspect of well-being plays a limited role in this relationship. Finally, this paper advances understanding in entrepreneurship research by (1) uncovering the formation of entrepreneurial intent from the psychological benefits of civic engagement, (2) disentangling hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, and (3) demonstrating well-being as an important resource of venturing ambitions. Finally, this study aligns with recent calls for further exploration of non-economic motivators of entrepreneurship.