The relationship between leaders' emotional intelligence and their perceived leadership effectiveness

Abstract

In recent years, the construct of emotional intelligence has gained much attention as a potential underlying attribute of effective leadership. Still, there are many viewpoints regarding the relationship (if any) between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. The purpose of this doctoral study was to investigate the said relationship and explore further whether or not emotional intelligence dimensions, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, could predict the perceived level of leadership effectiveness. Quantitative survey data was obtained between 2013 and 2014 from 91 senior managers and over 1,000 employees in a large investor-owned utility company in the United States. The findings suggested that leaders' emotional intelligence, as measured by the self-assessed Emotional Intelligence Appraisal (EIA) questionnaires, has no significant relationship with the perceived level of leadership effectiveness, as measured by the 360-degree Leadership Assessment Program (LAP) surveys. The research also showed that four emotional intelligence dimensions, as predictors, are not conclusive indicators of leadership effectiveness ratings, the desired leadership outcome.