Entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention: The mediating role of the need for independence

PURPOSE: The paper focuses on assessing the direct effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intention indirect need for independence relationship between constructs. Despite increased efforts towards steering interest young graduates venture, response rate has been rather unimpressive discouraging, thus demanding to account what factors could drive venture ownership among in Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: A quantitative approach was adopted a data set from 235 used study. analyzed using partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM). FINDINGS: It found that does not significantly affect intention. also affects study fully mediates PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This provides new insight into behavioral reasoning theory, through its application explaining cognitive role decision-making, samples developing economy. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: advances perspective underlining an entrepreneur’s intent start business most especially Nigeria, lens theory. We further support theory entrepreneurship literature, given paucity studies have despite relevance.