Title: Influences of emotional intelligence on transformational leadership and leader-member exchange in Kuwait

Authors: Jessica Li; Mai Zahran

Addresses: Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 1310 S. Sixth Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820, USA ' Medical Era Company, P.O. Box 66698, Sharjah, UAE

Abstract: The study aims to explore the influences of emotional intelligence on transformational leadership and leader-member exchange in Kuwait's business environment. A quantitative survey was used in this research resulting in 191 final responses. The findings reveal that leaders in Kuwait, as perceived by survey participants, exhibit emotional intelligence through self-awareness, self-management, relationship management and social awareness. These emotional intelligence dimensions affect transformational leadership behaviours through vision articulation, individualised support, communication of performance expectations and intellectual stimulation. Emotional intelligence and transformational leadership further contribute to leader-member exchange in affect, loyalty, contribution and professional respect. Findings also indicate a partial mediating effect of transformational leadership on the relationship between emotional intelligence and leader-member exchange. Implications for human resource development and call for future research are discussed.

Keywords: emotional intelligence; transformational leadership; leader-member exchange; motivation; Kuwait; self-awareness; self-management; relationship management; social awareness; vision articulation; individualised support; performance expectations; intellectual stimulation; loyalty; work contribution; professional respect.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2014.068084

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2014 Vol.14 No.1/2/3, pp.74 - 96

Published online: 26 Mar 2015 *

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