The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Direct Leadership in the Army of the Czech Republic

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was identifying the level of emotional intelligence of future leaders in the level of direct leadership in the Army of the Czech Republic. The concept of emotional intelligence could be characterized as a file of social abilities, attributes and qualities, which are necessary for function of each individual in society, social interactions and during communication with others. Emotional intelligence is connected with required social competences of military leaders. In the research part was used method of quantitative research by using the standardized questionnaire research technique. This is a self‑assessing test of emotional intelligence created by authors T. Bradberry a J. Greaves, which is based on model of author Daniel Goleman. The results of applied method describe the level and differences of emotional intelligence by each participant. The research sample consisted of a total 31 military students of fourth year master’s degree programme of Faculty of military leadership, full time study in University of Defense in Brno. They are future officers, whom after graduation of study programme are predetermined to serve in the direct leadership in Army of the Czech Republic. This is a pilot research which will be followed by further standard research. The results of it are going to be applied the next period for suggestion and recommendation of interactive educational programs enhancing the competence of decision‑making leaders. The results are discussed in the context of the training of military leaders under the auspices of Ministry of Defense in the Czech Republic.