Self-Efficacy and Self-Perception as Predictors of Opportunity-Driven Entrepreneurship from a Gender Perspective in Emerging Economies

Abstract

Several studies have identified a significant association between self-efficacy and opportunity-driven entrepreneurship. However, research examining how individuals’ self-perception of the entrepreneurial context relates to opportunity-driven entrepreneurship –and how sex moderates these relationships in emerging economies– remains limited. Addressing this gap, this study examines the extent to which self-efficacy and context perception are associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, evaluating gender as a moderating variable. Methodology: Data were obtained from the Adult Population Survey (APS) of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) for the 2010–2023 period. Since a balanced panel was not feasible, an unbalanced panel was constructed for the set of emerging countries participating in GEM. Three logistic regression models were developed using a variable saturation approach to test and validate the hypotheses. Results: While self-efficacy and context self-perception were significantly associated with opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, the strength and direction of these relationships varied, revealing a distinct moderating effect between men and women across the analyzed emerging economies.