Age, entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial intentions: the mediating role of individual entrepreneurial orientation

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between age and entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial intentions considering the mediating role of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) dimensions (risk-taking, innovativeness and proactiveness).Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 782 individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina's working-age population using a cross-sectional survey design. Hypotheses were tested via structural equation modeling.FindingsYounger individuals have significantly higher intentions for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship than older individuals. The mediating role of IEO was partially supported in the case of the relationship between age and entrepreneurial intention as well as age and intrapreneurial intention. While risk-taking and innovativeness partially mediate the relationship, proactiveness does not.Originality/valueThis study takes a comprehensive approach when examining the relationship between age and entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial intentions in a developing economy while considering the indirect effects of IEO dimensions.