Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to identify the impact of emotional intelligence in improving the functional performance of entrepreneurs in Makkah region. It also aims to identify the relationship between the level of emotional intelligence and functionality depending on the demographic variables (years of experience - level of education) of entrepreneurs. The importance of emotional intelligence among entrepreneurs is increasing especially with the challenges they encounter and the lack of resources available to them when establishing entrepreneurial projects. Methods: To achieve the study's objectives, the study followed the analytical descriptive curriculum suited to the nature of the study by developing a questionnaire as a study tool. After distributing it to the simple random sample of entrepreneurs in Makkah region (Jeddah governorate), the number of valid responses was (163). Results: The study reached several results: (1) There is a statistically significant relationship between the levels of emotional intelligence and improving the functioning of entrepreneurs. (2) There are statistically significant differences in the performance level of entrepreneurs according to the demographic variables of the years of experience and educational level. (3) There are statistically significant differences in the level of emotional intelligence of entrepreneurs depending on the demographic variables of the years of experience and educational level. Conclusion: The study concluded that entrepreneurs and SME owners should be interested in learning and adapting these principles and methodologies of emotional intelligence. The study also recommends that researchers in the Arab region should pay attention to conducting more studies on the different types of intelligence, which positively affects the performance of these organizations.