This paper addresses nascent entrepreneurs’ intention-action gap by examining the predictive and the moderating role of different types of motivations. We draw on the theory of planned behavior and on action theory to explain the entrepreneurial action of 205 student nascent entrepreneurs operating in academic incubators within the French higher education system. Our results demonstrate an indirect influence of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation on entrepreneurial action. When referring to motivation as moderating the relationship between intention and action, we show that mid-levels of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation reinforce the positive association between nascent entrepreneurs’ intentions and actions. Our study demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between motivational and volitional phases of the entrepreneurial process, and provides new insights for academic institutions seeking to incubate businesses created by student nascent entrepreneurs.

中文翻译：

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从梦想到现实：新生企业家动机在意图-行动差距中的矛盾作用

本文通过研究不同类型动机的预测和调节作用来解决新生企业家的意图-行动差距。我们利用计划行为理论和行动理论来解释在法国高等教育系统内的学术孵化器中运作的 205 名学生新生企业家的创业行为。我们的研究结果表明，外在和内在动机对创业行为有间接影响。当将动机称为调节意​​图和行动之间的关系时，我们表明，中等水平的外在和内在动机加强了新生企业家的意图和行动之间的正相关。我们的研究证明了区分创业过程的动机和意志阶段的重要性，