This paper seeks to investigate how Emotional Intelligence (EI) impacts on the relationship\nbetween entrepreneurial competence and the development of professional networks. A\nqualitative methodology was adopted in this survey using structured face-to-face interviews\nwhich were administered to a sample of 10 entrepreneurs who own manufacturing Small\nMedium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) based in Gaborone, Botswana. Thematic analysis\nwas used as data analysis strategy. The key findings of the research are that firstly, EI plays\nan important role in developing professional networks. Secondly, the main benefits of\nnetworking are advice; friendship; information sharing and training opportunities. Thirdly,\nentrepreneurs develop entrepreneurial professional networks through networking with\nindividuals of their own nationality; engaging with other members of the local business\ncommunity and international networks. This study has provided important insights of interest,\nto entrepreneurs, scholars and policy makers. However the research was based on a\nqualitative methodology, future research can be undertaken using a mixed methodology.\nFurthermore additional research can be undertaken using a comparative analysis of different\nAfrican countries in order to come up with a multifaceted approach to the role of EI in the\ndevelopment of entrepreneurial professional networks. This paper motivated a debate on the\nlink between EI and the development of professional networks and how these variables\ndetermine Entrepreneurial success. While there appears to be a clear relationship between EI\nand the development of entrepreneurial networks measurement instruments that can show the\ncontributions of each variable to entrepreneurial success need to be contextualised.
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