Do Islamic values impact social entrepreneurial intention of university students in Malaysia? An empirical investigation into the mediating role of empathy

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship is considered a powerful means that provides sustainable solutions to existing problems, especially in developing societies. Since intention significantly affects the individuals' involvement in social entrepreneurship, it is extremely important to support the intention of the young generation to move toward social entrepreneurial activities. To achieve this goal, the determinants of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) need to be recognized and well understood. Literature suggests that Islamic values influence decision-making processes and individuals' intention to become a social entrepreneur. However, little research has been undertaken to understand social entrepreneurship from an Islamic perspective and the mechanism through which values impact social entrepreneurial intention. Using the theory of planned behavior, this study aims to examine the interrelationship between Islamic values, empathy, and SEI. The researchers employed structural equation modeling-partial least square technique to analyze the data. Based on a sample of 202 Muslim students selected from public and private universities in Malaysia, we found that empathy mediates the relationship between Islamic values and SEI. More specifically, Islamic religious values only affect SEI indirectly through empathy. Additionally, empathy positively affects individuals' intention to establish a social venture. Bringing religion into play sheds light on the antecedents of SEI.