Emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intentions of university students: A case of bachelor of entrepreneurship and small business management students at Makerere University Business School

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between emotional intelligence, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, attitudes and entrepreneurial intentions of University students at Makerere University Business School.

The study followed a cross sectional quantitative research design. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire from a sample of 203 students. The students were on the programme of Bachelor of entrepreneurship and Small business Management. The hierarchical regression model indicated that emotional intelligence, perceived behavioural control and attitude were the major contributors in predicting of entrepreneurial intention. However, perceived behavioural control has the greatest contribution in predicting entrepreneurial intentions.

The study recommended that if students’ favourable / unfavourable evaluation of certain behaviour is to change, then there is need for them to improve and this can be done through training and counseling of students. To further enhance their perception of a task as easy or difficult, the students self efficacy needs to be boosted through provision of relevant information and experiments.