An Emotional Business: The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Entrepreneurial Success

Abstract

Entrepreneurship represents an increasingly dynamic and productive force in the economy. Why are some entrepreneurial ventures more successful than others? This study examined the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in predicting entrepreneurial success, with a specific focus on the mediating effect of managerial competence. Utilizing data collected from 307 entrepreneurs across industries in the United States, the researchers applied regression analyses to test the hypothesized correlations. Research findings indicated that EI significantly predicted entrepreneurial success in the dimensions of financial firm, relative, and personal success. The results also suggest that higher managerial competence contributes to greater entrepreneurial success by enhancing the ability to perform essential managerial tasks effectively. This study contributes to the field of entrepreneurship by identifying constructs critical to entrepreneurial success at multiple levels. It also provides practical implications for entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial development.