International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Emotional Intelligence and Innovativeness Dynamic of Entrepreneurial Orientation in Nigeria
EGBERI, Edith, Onyeyime PhD1 And OMOGBIYA, O. Shulammite.2
1Department of Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Administration and Management, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Nigeria.
2Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Administration and Management, Delta State University of Science and Technology,Ozoro. Nigeria
Abstract: The study investigated emotional intelligence as it pertains to innovativeness dynamic of entrepreneurial orientation in Nigeria. Two (2) components of emotional intelligence were employed, namely personal and social. Survey design and questionnaire was adopted; the questionnaire was administered to employees of some selected small and medium scale enterprises in Delta State. Data obtained in the field survey were analyzed via descriptive (mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis and Karl Pearson correlation), post estimation test (variance inflation factor) and inferential (multiple regression) statistical tools. Findings indicated a statistically significant and positive relationship between emotional intelligence (components of personal and social) and innovativeness dynamic of entrepreneurial orientation in Nigeria. This implies that emotional intelligence (personal and social) contributes to innovativeness of the entrepreneur. Given the findings of the study, it was recommended that management of small and medium scale enterprises should encourage employees to develop an innate tendency (personal intelligence) and team capabilities (social intelligence) towards entrepreneurship. In order to further foster innovativeness of entrepreneurs, there is the need for small and medium scale enterprises to ensure swift adaptability to change catalysts as well as building a bond among employees.
Keywords: Emotional intelligence; Innovativeness; Entrepreneurial orientation; Entrepreneurship; Nigeria
JEL Classifications: L26; 031
I.INTRODUCTION
The individual traits play a vital role in entrepreneurship growth; the traits of individuals (emotional intelligence, extraversion, openness to experience and conscientiousness)have been identified and considered as significant predictors of entrepreneurial intentions and orientations (Aliyu, Rogo & Mahmood, 2020; Wen, Chen, Liman & Gu, 2020; Awad & Kada, 2012; Adeoye & Torubelli, 2011). The current study is premeditated on one of the individual traits – emotional intelligence as it affects innovativeness of entrepreneurial orientation.
Emotional intelligence is the capability to manage an individual’s emotional responses in the presence of other individuals and in diverse circumstances (Dlofan, 2016). It is linked to the capability of comprehending oneself and others, communicating with others and adapting oneself with his surrounding environment (Kamalian & Fazel, 2011). Hence, it