Title: Emotional intelligence and work performance of leaders - a study done with corporates and higher academic institutions in Abu Dhabi Emirate

Authors: Sreethi Nair; Smitha Dev; Anand Dwivedi

Addresses: University College, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE ' University College, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE ' University College, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract: Leadership skills of corporate professionals are a function of multiple factors. The current study has explored the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and performance of corporate professionals as leaders with a focus on Abu Dhabi Emirate in the UAE. Primary data was collected from various organisations and these were identified randomly. A total of 115 professionals from ten different organisations participated in this study. Quantitative method was employed to analyse the association between EI and leadership skills and performance as leaders. 't' test, 'F' test and Scheffe's methods were used for statistical analysis. Result of the study revealed a significant correlation between emotional intelligence and leadership qualities. The current study also supports previous research findings in this area. The study will also enable leaders to understand the importance of maintaining higher level of emotional intelligence to enhance team motivation, productivity and self-esteem. The study revealed that a high EI enables corporate professionals to emerge as successful leaders.

Keywords: emotional intelligence; leaders; work performance; team motivation; productivity; leader behaviour; productivity; self-esteem; critical thinking; stress; Abu Dhabi; United Arab Emirates; leadership qualities; higher education; academic leadership; corporate leadership.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2016.081454

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2016 Vol.7 No.3, pp.168 - 179

Received: 29 Jan 2016
Accepted: 30 May 2016

Published online: 09 Jan 2017 *

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