Monkey see, monkey do? Examining the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and knowledge sharing on new venture creation for Gen Y and Gen Z

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial intention and attitude towards knowledge sharing on new business creation by comparing two generations, Y generation (millennials) and Z generation (post-millennial). In addition, the current study uses a social cognitive theory as a point of departure to test the research hypotheses. Design/methodology/approach: This study deploys a quantitative approach (hypothetic-deductive approach) by surveying 300 respondents representing the two Indonesian generations. The questionnaire consisting of demographic items (age, education, etc.) and variables was the primary research instrument. This study used regression analysis, a Wald test for examining the proposed hypotheses and a t-test to provide a deeper analysis of the findings. Findings: Findings from the current study show that Gen Y is still seeking a balance for their learning sources by involving in their social environments as well as exploring the digital world. In contrast, Gen Z is much more dominant in the independence to learn things that interest them. They have less dependency on social patrons but prioritise themselves as the leading model. Practical implications: The findings of this study provide practical implications for higher education institutions in the development of entrepreneurship education to achieve learning effectiveness. Originality/value: This study aims to contribute by providing empirical evidence in the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and attitude towards knowledge sharing on new venture creation with particular reference to Gen Y and Gen Z, suggested by previous studies. Although Gen Y and Gen Z are digital natives, this study provides insight into a shift in the characteristic of two generations, as also found in comparison to previous generations, such as Baby-Boomer vs Gen X and Gen X vs Gen Y. This study proclaims the need to adjust organisational theories to enable them to explain the shifting phenomena at the micro and macro level for every generation. Exploratory research to better understand the characteristics of a generation in other settings is a crucial proposal proposed by this study. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.