Linking Decision-Making Styles and Entrepreneurial Competences: Insights from the EntreComp Framework

Abstract

Background: The increasing entrepreneurial activity among young people highlights the importance of understanding the competences and decision-making styles that influence their success. The European Union emphasizes the development of entrepreneurial competences, as outlined in the EntreComp framework, which comprises Ideas and Opportunities, Resources, and Into Action. Decision-making in entrepreneurship occurs under conditions of uncertainty, requiring adaptive cognitive approaches.

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between entrepreneurial competences and decision-making styles among university students, aiming to identify patterns that contribute to effective entrepreneurial behaviour.

Study design/methodology/approach: The research involved 245 university students (aged 19–25) who completed questionnaires assessing their perceived entrepreneurial competences and decision-making styles. EntreComp competences were measured using a validated scale, while decision-making styles were categorized as rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant, or spontaneous. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlations and multiple linear regression to explore associations and predictive relationships.

Findings/conclusions: The results demonstrate that rational and intuitive decision-making styles positively predict higher self-perceived entrepreneurial competencies. These styles align with analytical and adaptive approaches essential for recognizing opportunities and managing uncertainty. In contrast, avoidant and spontaneous decision-making styles are negatively associated with entrepreneurial competences, reflecting tendencies toward impulsivity or inaction that hinder effective entrepreneurship. Dependent styles show weaker, positive relationships with some competences.

Limitations/future research: The study relies on self-reported data, which may be influenced by social desirability or subjective biases. Future research should explore objective measures of entrepreneurial competences and investigate the role of cognitive factors, such as time orientation and perfectionism, in decision-making and entrepreneurial success.