Women Entrepreneur's Emotional Intelligence and Firm Performance: Mediating Role of Networking Competencies

Research on women entrepreneurship is increasingly gaining momentum across the globe, particularly emerging markets that are characterized by institutional voids. This study develops and tests a conceptual framework investigating the role of women entrepreneurs' Emotional Intelligence (EI) in predicting the perceived performance of their ventures. EI influences the networking competencies, which is among the defining competencies of an entrepreneur. Thus, the study also examines whether network competences of women entrepreneurs mediate the impact of EI on firm performance. The data has been collected from 151 women entrepreneurs through a survey in Indian context using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis is done using the partial least square-structural equation modelling, the results of the study reveal that EI and networking competence have a positive significant impact on firm's financial and non-financial performance. EI also has a positive significant impact on networking competence of women entrepreneurs. Moreover, networking competence partially mediates the relationship between EI and financial and non-financial firm performance showing both direct and indirect relationship of EI with firm performance. The study's findings add to the body of knowledge on gender and entrepreneurship and have significant implications for women entrepreneurs who want to succeed in business by employing their networking and EI skills.