Effects of emotional intelligence on entrepreneurial intention and self-efficacy

Past studies associated emotional intelligence with positive workplace outcomes, such as job performance and job satisfaction. However, to date, the relationship between emotional intelligence and individual differences in entrepreneurship has been scarcely examined. In this study, the contribution of emotional intelligence dimensions to entrepreneurial potential is explored, controlling for the influence of personality traits and demographic variables. Using a sample of 394 participants, it has been tested, by means of multiple hierarchical regression analyses, the mediating role of entrepreneurial self- efficacy in the relationship between emotional intelligence dimensions and the intention to become entrepreneur. Results indicate that two dimensions of emotional intelligence, regulation and utilization of emotions, positively positively affect entrepreneurial self-efficacy. In turn, the perception of self-efficacy mediates the relation between emotional intelligence and the intention to become an entrepreneur. © 2014 Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid. Production by Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved. Efectos de la inteligencia emocional sobre la intención y la autoeficacia emprendedora R E S U M E N Estudios previos relacionan la inteligencia emocional con resultados positivos en el puesto de trabajo, tale