Role of Spiritual Intelligence in Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy With Mediatin of Strategic Thinking

Background and Objectives: In recent years, the tendency towards entrepreneurship and its related topics, such as entrepreneurial self-efficacy, has significantly increased. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of spiritual intelligence in entrepreneurial self-efficacy with the mediating role of students strategic thinking. Methods: The present research was a descriptive-correlational study through structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population of this study included all students working in Science and Technology Park and technology units affiliated to South Khorasan Science and Technology Park within May-July 2019. Out of this population, a total of 120 students were selected by purposive sampling method and answered King Spiritual Intelligence Questionnaires, Strategic Thinking (Goldman), and Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy Scale (De Noble et al.). The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using structural modeling and partial least squares algorithm (PLS). Results: The results of the present study pointed to the direct and significant relationship of spiritual intelligence with entrepreneurial self-efficacy and strategic thinking. Moreover, there was a direct and significant relationship between strategic thinking and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (P 0.01). The results also showed that strategic thinking plays a mediating role in the relationship between spiritual intelligence and students entrepreneurial self-efficacy (P 0.01). Conclusion: Considering the role of spiritual intelligence and strategic thinking on students entrepreneurial self-efficacy, educational system authorities need to devote special attention to the role of influential factors that are likely to enhance students entrepreneurial self-efficacy.