Table 1 Measurement model

Entrepreneurial intention (EIN)

EIN1

 Intend to set up a company in the future

Fixed

EIN2

 Never search for business start-up opportunities (R)^a

EIN3

 Are saving money to start a business

8.647***

EIN4

 Do not read books on how to set up a firm (R)

8.096***

EIN5

 Have no plans to launch your own business (R)

7.344***

EIN6

 Spend time learning about starting a firm^a

Perceived control (PCL)

PCL1

 I can successfully determine the outcome of tasks I engage in

Fixed

PCL2

 I perform exceptionally in tasks because I am competent^a

PCL3

 I am able to learn more about entrepreneurial opportunities

4.815***

PCL4

 I know am disciplined enough to deliver tasks timely

4.705***

PCL5

 My peers regard me because I am exceptional^a

Perceived competence (PCM)

PCM1

 I always strive to excel in all I do

Fixed

PCM2

 I am creative in handling tasks

PCM3

 Compared with my peers, I think I am quite exceptional^a

PCM4

 I am convinced that I can excel in anything because I am a fast learner

7.835***

PCM5

 I do not worry about unexpected tasks because I know that I can deliver

6.869***

Perceived persistence (PP)

PP1

 Despite the odds, I continue to work hard

Fixed

PP2

 Regardless of obstacles I keep moving towards my goals

5.928***

PP3

 I always try to figure out how to solve difficult problems^a

PP4

 If I don’t give up, I am able to accomplish very difficult tasks

6.196***

PP5

 I know how to help myself and that is persistently working hard^a

Emotional intelligence (EI)

EI1

 I know when my emotions change^a

EI2

 I know what others are feeling just by looking at them^a

EI3

 I can tell how people are feeling by listening to the tone of their voice^a

EI4

 I have control over my emotions

4.154***

EI5

 I expect that I will do well on most things I try^a

EI6

 I seek out activities that make me happy

4.201***

EI7

 I know the best time to speak about my personal problems with others

4.245***

EI8

 I like to share my emotions with others

4.548***

EI9

 I help others feel well when they are down

4.743***

EI10

 When I am in a positive mood, I am able to come up with new ideas

4.468***

EI11

 When my mood changes, I see new possibilities

4.563***