An Examination of the Causal Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Education and Entrepreneurial Culture and Leadership, Mediated by Entrepreneurial Orientation (Islamic Azad University, Region 2)

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between entrepreneurial education and both entrepreneurial culture and entrepreneurial leadership, with entrepreneurial orientation serving as a mediating variable, within Islamic Azad University, Region 2.Methodology: The research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-correlational methodology, specifically utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprises all faculty members of Islamic Azad University, Region 2, totaling 1,200 individuals. A stratified random sampling method was employed to select 280 participants for the study. Data collection was conducted using a researcher-developed questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire components was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, yielding values of 0.75 for entrepreneurial education, 0.82 for entrepreneurial culture, 0.74 for entrepreneurial leadership, and 0.84 for entrepreneurial orientation. To validate the proposed model, the maximum likelihood estimation method within SEM was utilized.Findings: The findings indicate that the structural model exhibits a good fit with the empirical data. Specifically, entrepreneurial education has a direct and significant effect on entrepreneurial culture (β = 0.412), entrepreneurial orientation (β = 0.291), and entrepreneurial leadership (β = 0.146), with all effects being statistically significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, entrepreneurial orientation significantly influences entrepreneurial culture (β = 0.198); however, its effect on entrepreneurial leadership was not statistically significant (β = 0.129). Bootstrap analysis revealed that entrepreneurial orientation mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial culture (β = 0.058).Conclusion: These findings underscore the interconnectedness and practical applicability of entrepreneurial education in fostering entrepreneurial culture and leadership, with entrepreneurial orientation playing a mediating role. Consequently, policymakers and planners within Islamic Azad University and other educational institutions can leverage these insights to develop strategies aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial activities among faculty members.