Bridging the Intention–Action Gap through Entrepreneurial Optimism: A Conceptual Exploration

Abstract

The importance of entrepreneurial intention has been widely recognised as veritable and reliable predictor of entrepreneurial action, However, many individuals who intend to start businesses fail to act accordingly. This problem, known as the intention–action gap, has become a major concern in entrepreneurship studies. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and positive psychology, this conceptual paper explores entrepreneurial optimism as a moderating variable that can bridge this intention-action gap. Entrepreneurial optimism can be defined as a positive cognitive bias toward expecting favorable outcomes thereby enhancing persistence, confidence, and resilience under uncertainty. This study integrates TPB with psychological capital theory to propose a model in which optimism strengthens the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial action. The By synthesized insights from recent and established studies, this study extends TPB’s explanatory power and offers a more psychologically grounded understanding of entrepreneurial action. The paper also outlines implications for entrepreneurship education and policy in developing economies like Nigeria, particularly regarding programs that inculcate and cultivate optimism among young entrepreneurs. The paper concludes with calls for empirical validation to further examine optimism’s moderating role and other psychological factors in the intention–action relationship.