PurposeDrawing on image theory, the authors investigate how and when cross-cultural experience cultivates two core entrepreneurial sensing capabilities: opportunity recognition and creative behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop and test a second-stage moderated mediation model across two studies. Study 1 consists of a sample of prospective entrepreneurs from the UK using perceptual scale measures (n = 153). Building on this, core findings are replicated using task-based measures on a sample of US participants (n = 342).FindingsResults show that cross-cultural experience is positively related to both entrepreneurial sensing capabilities through the mediating role of self-image fluidity. No support is found for the moderating role of regulatory focus orientations.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings contribute to the burgeoning literature on multicultural experience and initiating skills in nascent venturing by providing insight on the mechanisms and boundary conditions relevant for entrepreneurial capabilities to emerge.Practical implicationsThe results reinforce the need for educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to facilitate and encourage opportunities for cross-cultural and overseas experiences as they are influential for stimulating entrepreneurial skills.Originality/valuePositive linkages between international mobility and entrepreneurial activity are of continued interest, yet individual-level mechanisms that explain this have been limited. The authors find that exposure to foreign cultures is potent for entrepreneurship as it can stimulate flexibility and exploration of the self-image and break frames of reference. This fosters greater tendencies for opportunity recognition and creative behaviors.

中文翻译：

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创业感知能力：跨文化体验的刺激作用

目的利用图像理论，作者研究跨文化体验如何以及何时培养两种核心的创业感知能力：机会识别和创造性行为。设计/方法/方法作者开发并测试了一项跨两项研究的第二阶段调节中介模型。研究 1 由来自英国的潜在企业家样本组成，使用感知量表测量 (n = 153)。在此基础上，使用基于任务的测量方法对美国参与者样本 (n = 342) 重复核心发现。结果表明，跨文化体验通过自我形象流动性的中介作用与企业家感知能力呈正相关。没有发现对监管重点方向的调节作用的支持。作者发现，接触外国文化对创业很有帮助，因为它可以激发灵活性和对自我形象的探索，并打破参照系。这促进了机会识别和创造性行为的更大趋势。