Investigating how social context moderates the relationship between intentions and behaviors in student entrepreneurship: Case of Tunisian students

Entrepreneurial intentions are fundamental in the entrepreneurial process, yet their transformation into actual behavior isn't guaranteed, as supported by existing evidence. While research concerning the intention-behavior dynamic in entrepreneurship is limited, findings from other fields consistently highlight a robust intention-behavior correlation. Our study aims to construct a model that dissects how contextual factors, operating at various levels, influence the shift from entrepreneurial intentions to concrete actions. This investigation is underpinned by data collected from surveys conducted among 500 Tunisian university graduates. Within this framework, we examine how immediate influencers (like family and friends) and broader environmental factors (such as the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem and prevailing national norms) impact the career choices of these graduates. Importantly, our research makes a noteworthy contribution to the burgeoning literature focused on the nexus between intentions and actions in entrepreneurship. As a result of this study, we conclude that contextual factors play a more significant role in mediating the relationship between intention and entrepreneurial behavior.