Transformative Experiences and its Effect on Social Entrepreneurial Intention of Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The rise of more complicated social problems, economic breakdown, and the global threat of the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to change how entrepreneurs do business. Social entrepreneurs, a kind of entrepreneur and considered key players in addressing economic and societal challenges, are now faced with even greater pressure and responsibility. However, the motivations of social entrepreneurs to engage in this social undertaking remain problematic. This study aims to assess the mediating effect of social opportunity recognition on the relationship between transformative experiences and social entrepreneurial intentions (SEIs). Its research designs were quantitative with a combination of descriptive, correlational, and causal-explanatory. The study's research locale was the selected colleges and universities located in Manila City, Philippines. Non-probability and convenience sampling designs were utilized, and the methods of data gathering were through a survey questionnaire. The method of data analysis was partial least square structural equation modeling using SMART PLS3.0. A total of 100 students participated in the study, 61% male and 28% aged 21. The study's findings revealed that all paths have significant positive relationships, transformative experiences, social opportunity recognition, and SEIs, having a p-value> 0.05. Social opportunity recognition and SEIs have the strongest positive relationship. Moreover, social opportunity recognition partially mediates the relationship between transformative experiences and SEIs. Its total, direct, and indirect effects were all statistically significant. Therefore, the study concluded that students' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted their social opportunity recognition and SEIs. The findings suggest that transformative experiences play a crucial role in shaping students' perceptions of social opportunities and their overall SEIs. Future researchers may consider further exploring the specific mechanisms through which transformative experiences influence social opportunity recognition and SEIs and add other variables that may affect SEIs.