Psychological and Social Determinants of Female Entrepreneurial Intentions: An Empirical Analysis of Personality Traits, Attitude, Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Social Perception

Abstract

This study examines the psychological and social determinants influencing female entrepreneurial intentions, specifically focusing on the interplay between internal personality traits and external social pressures. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, data was collected through validated scales—including the Big Five Personality Inventory and the General Self-Efficacy Scale—from a diverse sample of participants. The findings reveal a significant "disconnect" in the path to entrepreneurship: while women demonstrate high levels of Self-Esteem (M = 5.25) and Self-Efficacy (M = 3.99), their actual Entrepreneurial Intentions remain low (M = 2.74). Multiple regression analysis identified Social Perception (beta = .495, p = .002) and Self-Efficacy (beta = .392, p = .015) as the only statistically significant predictors of intent. Conversely, general personality traits, attitude, and self-esteem failed to offer unique predictive power when these factors were accounted for. Furthermore, independent sample t-tests indicated no statistically significant differences between genders across these constructs, suggesting that challenges such as low social perception—the "social mirror" reflecting the desirability of entrepreneurship—are systemic issues affecting both men and women in this context. The study concludes that the transition from potential to action is a sequential flow where foundational traits must be supported by specific skill-based beliefs and positive environmental cues to crystallize into tangible entrepreneurial drive.