Covid-19 perceptions and psychological factors on the social entrepreneurial intention in university students of Bangladesh

Abstract

A great interest in promoting social entrepreneurial intention revolves around the possibility of creating innovative and environmental solutions to society's social problems. This possibility becomes critical in the situations of global crises that will arise with the 2019 coronavirus disease epidemic (Covid-19). Covid-19 has a broader impact on a worldwide public health crisis and challenges the industry. This disease is particularly destructive to young people's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, new enterprise owners, and overall psychological well-being. Research is required to develop empirically supported coping strategies to decrease and offset psychological problems. This study sought to examine the connection between Covid-19 pandemic perception and psychological need satisfaction in university students and their entrepreneurial intention to start a business. Researchers also discussed the psychological factors (i.e., resilience and moral obligation) that mediate these relationships to promote the students’ entrepreneurial activities. The study develops a conceptual model of social entrepreneurial intention utilizing Social-Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory. Further, this concept will be tested and validated among Bangladeshi university students in the future.