Demystifying the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness

Abstract

The disruptive VUCA environment affects both the organizations as well as the leaders. To survive in this unruly environment, and to find new solutions to this problem organizations need leaders with strong mental and emotional competencies. Prior research contends that a leader's emotional intelligence favorably promotes leadership effectiveness; however, the relationship is only studied superficially and not considering the VUCA circumstances. Furthermore, there is scant literature on the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness with mental health and happiness at work as mediators. Also, a thorough understanding of the influence of EI on positive psychology concepts remains elusive. From the authors' perspective, the ability of aspiring leaders and their effectiveness in handling this challenging environment will be greatly influenced by their emotional intelligence, mental health, and happiness at work. This study utilizes an integrative literature review methodology and attempts to theoretically link prior literature to fill the void.