Social entrepreneurial intention: Examining the impacts of social and institutional support

In this study, we examine the relationship between perceptions of social and institutional support for social entrepreneurship activities and social entrepreneurial intention. Utilizing resource exchange theory, we posit that perceptions of social support and perceptions of institutional support will have positive relationships with an individual's social entrepreneurial intention. To test our assertions, we surveyed 577 working adults in the United States. The results support a direct effect between perceptions of social support and social entrepreneurial intention, but no support for perceptions of institutional support. However, there is nuance in these relationships. According to our analysis, it appears that social entrepreneurial intention is contingent on the presence of high levels of both types of support. We discuss the implications of the results for theory and practice before concluding with the study limitations and avenues for future research.