Start Me Up : When Exploring Entrepreneurial Intentions, Think EQ Not IQ

This paper addresses the proposition of emotional intelligence (EQ) as an antecedent of entrepreneurial intentions. I review the relevant theoretical backgrounds in support of an intentions-based model to explain entrepreneurship behavior, and examine the influence of the theory of emotional intelligence in shaping an entrepreneur's attitudes, behaviors, and the eventual decision of launching a business. I suggest that entrepreneurial EQ positively influences entrepreneurial intentions. In an era of global expansion, companies are seeking innovative ways to increase international market share, boost revenues, improve levels of employee engagement, and elevate managerial performance and reduce expenses (Altman, Shactman & Eilat, 2006; Wensveen, 2015). This study focuses on managers within a specific organization, as opposed to individuals looking to start new businesses. As such, it aims to contribute to the existing stream of literature by focusing on the entrepreneurial intentions of a global, supply-chain management firm's area managers, who are starting new value propositions. The aviation supply-chain environment is critical because over the next twenty years, there is an expected revenue stream of $5.2 trillion USD (Boeing Market Outlook, 2014)