: 10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V4I8P105
Bashir Uddin, Subrata Kumar, Yeanur Rahman, Rasel Ahamed, Md. Golam Sharoar. "Investigating the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Entrepreneurial Intentions" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 4, No. 8, pp. 34-44, 2025. Crossref. http://doi.org/10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V4I8P105
Purpose: This study aims to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intentions, focusing on how key emotional intelligence dimensions influence an individual's intention to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative survey was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire based on adapted scales. Data were collected from 190 usable responses between March and May 2025 from students at a public university in Bangladesh. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Findings: Multiple regression analysis revealed that self-awareness negatively influenced entrepreneurial intentions, rejecting the first hypothesis. In contrast, managing emotions, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills showed significant positive effects, supporting the remaining four hypotheses. These findings suggest that key emotional intelligence dimensions strongly predict entrepreneurial intentions. Originality/Value: This study uniquely examines the impact of emotional intelligence dimensions on entrepreneurial intentions within a Bangladeshi university context, enriching the global entrepreneurship literature. It highlights the crucial role of emotional intelligence in entrepreneurial motivation and offers practical insights for enhancing entrepreneurship education through emotional intelligence development. Contribution: Theoretically, this study adds to the entrepreneurship literature by showing how emotional intelligence shapes entrepreneurial intentions. It also supports prior international findings in a Bangladesh context. Practically, it offers guidance for universities and policymakers to foster entrepreneurship through emotional intelligence-focused training, workshops, and student engagement activities. Key Recommendation: Entrepreneurial training should include emotional intelligence development, as emotional intelligence enhances confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to handle challenges. Institutions should integrate emotional intelligence-focused programs to better prepare individuals for entrepreneurship, especially those unsure of their potential, making emotional intelligence a key factor in fostering entrepreneurial success.
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Emotional Intelligence, Entrepreneurial Intentions, Self-awareness, Managing Emotions, Motivating Yourself, Empathy, Social Skills.