Abstract:

This article focuses on explanatory variables that affect proactive networking behaviour among entrepreneurs. Socioeconomic and managerial status explain an important part of the levels of networking behaviour, but also come other factors, such as skills, personal characteristics and motivation. Due to the social nature of entrepreneurial activities, previous research studies have also highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence in the prediction of networking behaviour. To verify this statement, an online survey was conducted to obtain further evidence of the relation between emotional intelligence and proactive networking. The insights generated have clear practical implications for entrepreneurs and regional development, as more emotionally intelligent individuals are more likely to engage in proactive networking.