Unpacking the Emotional Intelligence–Entrepreneurial Intentions Link: A Systematic Review of Mediators and Moderators

This study investigates the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Entrepreneurial Intentions (EInt), examining how mediators and moderators influence this dynamic across cultural and socioeconomic contexts. Using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol and ADO-TCM framework, this systematic review synthesizes findings from 18 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024. The study identifies and categorizes mediators and moderators affecting the EI–EInt relationship. Self-efficacy, creativity, and components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control) consistently mediate the EI–EInt link. Cultural values, personality traits (e.g. proactivity, ambiguity tolerance), gender, and socioeconomic status significantly moderate this relationship, shaping its strength and direction. These findings offer insights for emotionally intelligent entrepreneurship education and policy design, supporting the development of self-efficacy, creativity and resilience in entrepreneurs. This review consolidates a fragmented field by offering a comprehensive, theory-driven framework of how EI influences EInt, highlighting context-sensitive mechanisms and identifying directions for future research.