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Optimism, General Self-Efficacy, and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Among Greek Students: Research, Management, and Society

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  • Argyro Charokopaki

    (Department of Social Work, School of Administrative, Economics and Social Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Panagiotis Douros

    (Department of Social Work, School of Administrative, Economics and Social Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

This study explored the mediating role of general self-efficacy between dispositional optimism, a construct within the domains of positive emotions and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Using a sample of 484 Greek business administration students from public universities, it was found that dispositional optimism influenced entrepreneurial self-efficacy via general self-efficacy. The findings are discussed with reference to social cognitive career theory (SCCT) conceptual framework to entrepreneurial intentions. The study contributes to and expands on the specific literature on this topic by introducing dispositional optimism as a person input variable in the first component of the conceptual framework. Implications for research and students’ career counseling, entrepreneurial education programs, and social policy are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Argyro Charokopaki & Panagiotis Douros, 2025. "Optimism, General Self-Efficacy, and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Among Greek Students: Research, Management, and Society," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:7:p:242-:d:1685896
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Barbara Bird & Leon Schjoedt, 2009. "Entrepreneurial Behavior: Its Nature, Scope, Recent Research, and Agenda for Future Research," International Studies in Entrepreneurship, in: Alan L. Carsrud & Malin Brännback (ed.), Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mind, chapter 0, pages 327-358, Springer.
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