The Development of a Causal Relationship Factor Model Affecting Entrepreneurial Behavior for Sustainable Development

The objective of this article is to develop a causal relationship factor model affecting entrepreneurial behavior for sustainable development using a mixed-methods research approach that integrated both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative phase involved testing the causal relationships affecting entrepreneurial behavior by collecting data through questionnaires from 327 university students in Bangkok. This was followed by a qualitative phase, which included conducting in-depth interviews with 17 university students in Bangkok. The quantitative research results indicated that a causal relationship factor model affecting entrepreneurial behavior for sustainable development was congruent with the empirical data (Chi-Square = 48.017, df = 35, p = .070, CMIN/DF = 1.372, RMSEA = .034, CFI = .975, GFI = .975, AGFI = .945, NFI = .918, RMR = .013). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) has allowed us to examine the hypothesized relationships among the independent, mediators, and dependent variables. The empirical result, a testament to the robustness of our research, illustrates that entrepreneurship education had a positive relationship with and influenced both entrepreneurial mindset and orientation. Similarly, entrepreneurial orientation demonstrated a positive relationship with and influenced entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial intention had a positive relationship with and influenced entrepreneurial behavior. The qualitative research results indicated that entrepreneurship education is essential for sustainable entrepreneurship, influencing the entrepreneur’s mindset, orientation, intention, and behavior. Overall, the findings from the qualitative research effectively explained, confirmed, and expanded upon the quantitative research results, providing greater clarity and completeness to the study’s outcomes.