Can emotional intelligence and social innovation influence intention toward sustainability?

Purpose Emotional intelligence can be seen as the fourth pillar of sustainability because this skill promotes awareness and creativity, leading to innovative ideas. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of emotional intelligence and social innovation on intentions toward sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Based on a quantitative approach, three instruments were administered to assess social innovation, beliefs, attitudes and intentions toward sustainability, and emotional intelligence among Spanish university students (n = 1,082). The partial least squares-structural equation modeling method was used to test the proposed model. Findings The findings demonstrated a positive association between emotional intelligence and social innovation and sustainability intentions, as well as between social innovation, attitudes, beliefs and intentions. Furthermore, attitudes and beliefs played a mediating role between social innovation and intentions. Social innovation, attitudes and beliefs also mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and intention toward sustainability. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights into understanding emotional intelligence and social innovation as catalysts for sustainable behavior and authentic commitment to collective well-being.