This study aimed to examine the effects of entrepreneurial competencies on entrepreneurial spirit, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention among beauty majors and beauty industry practitioners, and to empirically verify the mediat...
This study aimed to examine the effects of entrepreneurial competencies on entrepreneurial spirit, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention among beauty majors and beauty industry practitioners, and to empirically verify the mediating roles of entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intention. Through this analysis, the study seeks to contribute to enhancing entrepreneurial intention among beauty majors, beauty professionals, and prospective entrepreneurs, as well as to the development of effective entrepreneurship policies and competency-based educational programs for successful beauty startups.
Data were collected through an online survey conducted nation wide from September 10 to October 3, 2025, targeting beauty majors and beauty industry practitioners. A total of 455 valid responses were obtained and analyzed using SPSS WIN 28.0.
The results of the study are summarized as follows.
First, the analysis of differences according to general characteristics revealed that entrepreneurial competencies differed significantly by age(20s versus 40s and 50s and above). Differences by marital status were found in entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial spirit,
while educational level showed significant differences in entrepreneurial competencies, entrepreneurial spirit, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Differences according to work experience were observed in all variables except risk-taking within entrepreneurial spirit. However, nosignificant differences were found according to startup preparation period, startup capital, job field, or gender.
Second, significant positive correlations were found among entrepreneurial competencies, entrepreneurial spirit, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention.
Third, among the sub-factors of entrepreneurial competencies, strategic competency and creative competency significantly influenced all sub-dimensions of entrepreneurial spirit—risk-taking, proactiveness, and innovativeness—indicating that higher levels of strategic and creative competencies are associated with stronger entrepreneurial spirit. In contrast, technical competency did not have a significant effect on entrepreneurial spirit.
Fourth, creative competency and strategic competency were found to have significant positive effects on entrepreneurial self-efficacy, whereas technical competency did not significantly influence entrepreneurial self-efficacy.
Fifth, entrepreneurial intention was significantly influenced by entrepreneurial competencies in the order of strategic competency, creative competency, and technical competency, suggesting that higher levels of entrepreneurial competencies lead to stronger entrepreneurial intention.
Sixth, among the sub-dimensions of entrepreneurial spirit, risk-taking and innovativeness had significant positive effects on entrepreneurial intention, while proactiveness did not show a significant effect.
Seventh, entrepreneurial self-efficacy was found to have a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention, indicating that higher entrepreneurial self-efficacy leads to stronger entrepreneurial intention.
Eighth, entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurial self-efficacy were found to partially mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intention, confirming their mediating roles.
These findings suggest that success in beauty entrepreneurship cannot be achieved through technical skills alone. Rather, entrepreneurial intention is strengthened when creative and strategic planning abilities, proactive and innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy are combined. Therefore, entrepreneurship education in the beauty industry should focus not only on technical training but also on fostering creativity, leadership, resource management skills, marketing strategies, innovative thinking, and self-efficacy.
This study holds academic significance by empirically elucidating the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intention, an area that has been relatively underexplored in the beauty industry. Furthermore, it provides important educational and policy implications for enhancing entrepreneurial competencies, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention among beauty entrepreneurs.
Ultimately, the findings are expected to contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the beauty industry’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Keywords : Entrepreneurial Competencies, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Entrepreneurial Intention, Beauty Industry, Beauty Entrepreneur