This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and entrepreneurial risk-taking ability among entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State. A total of 392 respondents participated, with a fairly balanced gender distribution (51.53% male, 48.47% female), and a majority (54.08%) operating micro-scale businesses. Findings revealed high levels of emotional intelligence across all dimensions, with motivation (M = 3.92) and social skills (M = 3.88) ranking highest. Similarly, respondents demonstrated considerable risk-taking tendencies, particularly in pursuing new market opportunities (M = 3.84) and making quick decisions (M = 3.78). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that all dimensions of EI were significantly and positively correlated with risk-taking ability, with motivation showing the strongest correlation (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). A t-test revealed that male entrepreneurs exhibited significantly higher risk-taking tendencies than females (t = 2.89, p = 0.004). ANOVA results further showed significant differences in risk-taking based on business size (F = 8.45, p < 0.001), suggesting that the scale of operations influences entrepreneurial risk behaviors. Regression analysis showed that EI accounted for 37% of the variance in risk-taking (R² = 0.37), with motivation (β = 0.30, p < 0.001) emerging as the strongest predictor. Based on these findings, the study recommended that entrepreneurship development programs in Akwa Ibom State integrate emotional intelligence training—particularly in motivation and social skills—to enhance calculated risk-taking and improve business outcomes among entrepreneurs.
Keywords: Akwa Ibom State, Emotional Intelligence, Entrepreneurs, Motivation, risk-taking
