The Impact of Environmental Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Knowledge on Recognition of Opportunities with the Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy

The purpose of this study was to Investigating the Impact of Entrepreneurial Knowledge and Environmental Dynamics on Identifying Entrepreneurial Opportunities with the Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy in the Entrepreneurship Counseling and Information Center in Kerman during 15 months (2016-2017).

Design / methodology / approach:

This research is a quantitative and descriptive-correlational research component in terms of purpose, applied research. The statistical population of the study consisted of 420 all clients (with business) to the Entrepreneurship Counseling and Information Center in Kerman. 210 persons were used as the statistical sample and Simple random sampling method. Questionnaire was the main tool for data collection.

The findings showed Entrepreneurial knowledge affects the detection of entrepreneurial opportunity with a path coefficient of 0.29 and a significant value of 3.60. Entrepreneurial knowledge has an effect on entrepreneurial self-efficacy with a path coefficient of 0.55 and a significant value of 7.77. The path coefficient is 0.38 and the significance value is 4.44. Environmental dynamics has an effect on identifying entrepreneurial opportunities with a path coefficient of 0.27 and a significant value is 4.07. Environmental dynamics has an effect on increasing entrepreneurial knowledge. And has a significant value of 4.49.

Limitations and Consequences:

Due to the multitude of research variables and the specific complexities of research, future research on other variables needs to be scrutinized to make the other variables' relationships more transparent and comprehensive. Ultimately, by teaching the right knowledge, it increased the self-efficacy of employees.

Practical implications:

By knowledge and entrepreneurial ability, one can recognize environmental opportunities and increase self-efficacy.

Originality or value of the article:

This article examines the impact of environmental dynamics and entrepreneurial knowledge on recognizing environmental opportunities; also, four variables (self-efficacy) are considered as mediating variables.