Emotional Intelligence and Entrepreneurial Orientation on Entrepreneurial Inclination of Secondary School Students

Abstract

Past studies associated emotional intelligence with a positive mindset to achieve better academic performance. Emotional intelligence is said to help students to set their goals. This paper investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial orientation, and entrepreneurial inclination of secondary school students. In this study, emotional intelligence is posited against entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial inclination. A total of one hundred and three usable responses were collected, and data was tested using Partial Least Squares. Results indicated that emotional intelligence affects entrepreneurial orientation but recorded a low impact on entrepreneurial inclination. Entrepreneurial orientation served as a mediating link between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial inclination. Most of the respondents were not well exposed to the concept of entrepreneurship in the school thus, their interest in entrepreneurship needs to be more conclusive. In exploring students' inclinations, it is important to identify their level of emotion and how they regulate it for their best interest.