The relevance of emotional intelligence for leadership performance

Abstract

Leadership and Emotional Intelligence have become hot topics in organisations and management in recent years. This study explores the relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Leadership and Job Performance of Officers and Ratings within the Royal Navy. In particular, the focus is on the three elements of the new Leadership Dimensions Questionnaire (LDQ) – Intellectual (‘IQ’), Emotional (‘EQ’) and Managerial (‘MQ’) Competencies. These are related to performance measures derived from formal performance appraisals.

Seven hypotheses were tested and all were fully or partially supported. Results showed that IQ, EQ and MQ were all related to overall performance and to Officer leadership appraisal, but not Ratings leadership appraisal. EQ made a greater contribution to overall performance, to Officer leadership appraisal and to all three leadership styles.

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