Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026)
June 2026

Articles

Young employees’ digital entrepreneurship intention: An application of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology

Published 2026-06-01

  • Tran Thi Hong Lien
    • ,
  • Nguyen Nam Tien

Tran Thi Hong Lien
University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyen Nam Tien
University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated young working people’s intention to start up a digital business under the influence of their habit of using online platforms such as social media and e-commerce, from a new theoretical perspective and in the context of an emerging economy of Vietnam.

Research Design & Methods: Utilising the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) on a research sample of 301 working people aged 18 to 35 in Vietnam, we investigated a moderated mediation model by structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis.

Findings: The habit of using online platforms (for either social media or e-commerce) positively affects users’ performance and effort expectancy, but negatively impacts risk perception of the platforms for digital entrepreneurship. In turn, performance expectancy and effort expectancy have a positive effect on attitude toward platform startup, and the attitude has a positive relationship with the establishment of digital entrepreneurial intention. However, the risk perception does not affect attitude toward using platforms for startups, which we may attribute to fear-of-missing-out syndrome (FOMO).

Implications & Recommendations: Young workers should examine risk concepts to avoid following trends, rather than ignoring potential risks to achieve sustainable entrepreneurship. Managers should be aware that the working environment cultivates employees’ intention to do their own job during working time. Meanwhile, startup facilitators should think about platforms as a productive source of new businesses.

Contribution & Value Added: This study significantly extends the UTAUT2 application into a new domain, a new purpose rather than just the adoption of a technology for its designed objectives; that is, entrepreneurship among working people. This suggests significant potential for literature development if researchers find new applications for long-lasting theories.

Keywords

Digital Entrepreneurship, Digital Business, Employee Entrepreneurship, Habit, UTAUT2

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Author Biography

Tran Thi Hong Lien

PhD in Management (2018, Murdoch University, Australia); Associate Professor at University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). Her research interests include entrepreneurship, leadership and corporate governance.

Nguyen Nam Tien

MBA (2023, University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). His research interests include an interest in entrepreneurship.

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