THE EFFECTS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND SELF-EFFICACY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION: A STUDY ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention are significant factors that shape entrepreneurs’ success and performance. In this study, the connection between these concepts was examined, and additionally, the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intention was analyzed. Within the scope of the research, data were collected through a questionnaire method from a total of 375 undergraduate students studying in different departments and classes at Gebze Technical University. In addition to demographic and descriptive questions, scales derived from the literature were utilized in the created questionnaire. The SPSS software package was employed for the analysis of the collected data (reliability, factor, regression). The findings demonstrated that both emotional intelligence and self-efficacy have a positive impact on entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the study revealed that self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intention. This study aims to emphasize the significance of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy in shaping the entrepreneurial intention of university students and to contribute to the relevant literature in the field.