Examining the emotion-entrepreneurial intention link using the theory of planned behavior

Design/methodology/approach

Applying the partial least squares structural equation model in SmartPLS 4, the hypothesized relationships were examined with a sample of 553 survey respondents from Bangladesh during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. All respondents were Bangladeshi nationals.

Findings

This study found that positive emotions have both significant direct and indirect effects, whereas negative emotions only have a significant indirect effect on entrepreneurial intention through personal attitudes and perceived behavioral control. Contrary to the extant understanding, this study found no significant relationship between subjective norms and entrepreneurial intention. Notably, the results did not vary between the during- and post-COVID-19 periods.

Originality/value

This study adds valuable insights into the relatively unexplored field of entrepreneurial intention by extending the TPB and demonstrating how emotions relate to entrepreneurial intention.