The role of emotional intelligence in enhancing entrepreneurial performance: A global literature review

Entrepreneurial performance is an emergent construct dependent on personal traits, environmental contexts, and psychological skills. Emotional intelligence received considerable attention as a pillar that underpins entrepreneurial performance. This integrative literature review is interested in the complex interaction dynamics between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial performance in various cultural, economic, and organizational contexts. Drawing on recent empirical studies and theory frameworks, the study synthesizes the mechanisms through which different components of Emotional intelligence in self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills play important roles in shaping decision-making, leadership performance, innovation, resilience, and business growth. Entrepreneurs with high emotional intelligence better manage uncertainty, navigate uncertain markets, construct compressed social networks, and maintain competitiveness in uncertain environments. The review also presents the moderation effects of socio-demographic determinants such as gender, educational attainment, entrepreneurial experience, and cultural background on the EI-performance relationship.