Influence of financial literacy on e-entrepreneurial intention:Role of the mediator of behavioral perceived control in higher education students in the Peruvian context

Abstract

The present study investigates the influence of various factors on digital entrepreneurial intention, focusing on the mediating role of perceived behavioral control. A self-administered cross-sectional survey was carried out using a questionnaire directed at 446 university students from several universities in different geographical regions of Peru. Descriptive statistics were used, and a structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to evaluate five proposed hypotheses. The results revealed that both financial attitude and behavior exert significant influences on perceived behavioral control. Furthermore, it was found that perceived behavioral control has a significant impact on digital entrepreneurial intention and plays a mediating role between financial education and the intention. This study contributes originality and value to the academic field, by adding to the few investigations on financial education carried out in the Peruvian context, specifically among university students. Likewise, it suggests the importance of promoting policies, strategies and initiatives by governments, universities, and other institutions, to improve the financial education and self-efficacy of university students, in order to promote digital entrepreneurship and economic development.