Development of an entrepreneurship model using the design thinking approach and emotional intelligence for sustainable wellness among the young generation

Entrepreneurship is a driving force in finding a source of income for an unemployed group. Entrepreneurs should design their products/services by emotionally connecting to their customers. This study attempts to develop a model by making use of structural equation modeling techniques for integrating the design thinking approach and emotional intelligence (EI) to enhance entrepreneurial attitudes among existing and budding entrepreneurs who are in the student community which will lead to sustainable performance. The model considered the five steps of the design thinking approach empathizing, designing, ideating, prototyping, and testing. The model enables the connection between the five design thinking stages and the components of EI. Both design thinking and EI will help attain an entrepreneurial attitude, which includes components like attitude towards business startup, marketing, recording of finance, good communication, effective leadership, and problem-solving ability. The findings of the study clearly show that EI positively influences the design-thinking process among students. Design thinking mediates EI's influence on students' entrepreneurial attitudes. The research study has suggested a model which will be helpful for those students who have an inner calling to become emotionally strong entrepreneurs who can be the pillars for the sustainable wellness of society.