Investigating the Impact of Emotional Intelligence on the Propensity to Choose Entrepreneurship

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Amirhossein Goodarzi 1
Mahsa Gholamhosseinzadeh 2
Homayoun Asadi 3
1 Master Degree, Department of Entrepreneurship, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
2 Department of Entrepreneurship, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.
3 Department of Entrepreneurship, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
10.22034/jmek.2025.536634.1188
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of emotional intelligence on entrepreneurial intention among students in management and business disciplines at universities in Mazandaran Province. Emotional intelligence, as a key factor in professional decision-making, can influence individuals' inclination toward entrepreneurial paths. This study employed a quantitative approach using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The population consisted of 1500 master's and doctoral students in related fields, from which a sample of 385 individuals was selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection tools included the standardized Schutte emotional intelligence questionnaire (1990) and the Lumpkin and Dess entrepreneurial intention scale (1996), with reliability confirmed by Cronbach's alpha above 0.85. Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS4 software. The results indicated that emotional intelligence has a positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial intention. The dimensions of emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, emotion management, and social relationships, all had positive effects. The research model explained 58% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention. These findings suggest that strengthening emotional intelligence can increase entrepreneurial inclination, which is important for educational policymakers and business managers. The overall conclusion is that emotional intelligence is not only an individual skill but also a key predictor of entrepreneurial orientation. It is recommended that educational programs focus on developing emotional intelligence to increase entrepreneurship rates in young communities.
Keywords
Emotional intelligence
Entrepreneurial intention
Structural equation modeling
Partial least squares
Management students
Subjects
Ajzen, I. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Frequently asked questions. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2(4), 314–324. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.195
APA. (2022). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychological Association.
Cochran, W. G. (2022). Sampling techniques (4th ed.). Wiley.
Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (2021). Belief, attitude, intention, and behavior: An introduction to theory and research. Addison-Wesley.
Goleman, D. (2023). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ (25th anniversary ed.). Bantam Books.
Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2024). A primer on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) (3rd ed.). Sage.
Hofstede, G. (2020). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions and organizations across nations. Sage.
Humphrey, R. H., Ashkanasy, N. M., & Troth, A. C. (2022). Emotions and organizational dynamism. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 43(2), 145–162.
Krueger, N. F., Reilly, M. D., & Carsrud, A. L. (2021). Competing models of entrepreneurial intentions. Journal of Business Venturing, 36(5), 106–120.
Krueger, N. F. (2025). Entrepreneurial intentions: Applying the theory of planned behavior. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 49(1), 1–20.
Lawshe, C. H. (2021). A quantitative approach to content validity. Personnel Psychology, 74(3), 563–575.
Lumpkin, G. T., & Dess, G. G. (1996). Clarifying the entrepreneurial orientation construct and linking it to performance. Academy of Management Review, 21(1), 135–172.
Mayer, J. D., Caruso, D. R., & Salovey, P. (2022). The ability model of emotional intelligence: Principles and updates. Emotion Review, 14(4), 290–300.
Mortan, R. A., Ripoll, P., Carvalho, C., & Bernal, M. C. (2023). Effects of emotional intelligence on entrepreneurial intention and self-efficacy. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 36(1), 45–60.
O'Boyle, E. H., Humphrey, R. H., Pollack, J. M., Hawver, T. H., & Story, P. A. (2024). The relation between emotional intelligence and job performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 45(3), 376–396.
Prado-Gascó, V., Pardo, I., & Montero, R. (2021). Emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intentions: The mediating role of resilience. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 44(2), 123–140.
Ringle, C. M., Wende, S., & Becker, J. M. (2023). SmartPLS 4. SmartPLS GmbH.
Schutte, N. S., Malouff, J. M., Hall, L. E., Haggerty, D. J., Cooper, J. T., Golden, C. J., & Dornheim, L. (1998). Development and validation of a measure of emotional intelligence. Personality and Individual Differences, 25(2), 167–177.
Shane, S., & Venkataraman, S. (2020). The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Academy of Management Review, 45(1), 217–226.
World Bank. (2023). World development report 2023: Jobs. World Bank Publications.
Yoo, J., & Lee, M. K. (2023). Cultural influences on emotional intelligence and entrepreneurship in Asia. Asia Pacific Management Review, 28(1), 45–56.
Zali, M. R., & Razavi, S. M. (2021). Entrepreneurial intentions among Iranian students: The role of emotional intelligence. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, 13(4), 567–585.
Zampetakis, L. A. (2022). The role of emotions and cognitions in entrepreneurial decision-making. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 46(3), 456–478.
Management, Economics and Entrepreneurship Studies
Volume 6, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 1-13

  • Receive Date 20 January 2025
  • Revise Date 21 February 2025
  • Accept Date 11 April 2025