The Influence of Leadership Emotional Intelligence on Employee Engagement

Abstract

This study examined the possible relationship between leader emotional intelligence (EI) and employee engagement within a small digital media company. The study identified the level of employee engagement within the organization and the level of emotional intelligence of its leaders using Q12 engagement and Schutte self-report emotional intelligence (SSEIT) surveys respectively. These two constructs were then related to each other using the survey data as well as a focus group of company employees. The findings revealed that while there is no direct correlation within the data obtained form the surveys, employees do understand the effect of leader emotional intelligence in the workplace and do think that it is important for their leaders to have high emotional intelligence. Findings suggested the organization should focus on the development of their leaders. Communication and recognition of employees from leadership were indicated as areas to further improve engagement. Further leadership development could help with these areas and positively impact. Future research could obtain more data using a larger sample group and different surveys to further determine the influence of leaders emotional intelligence on employee engagement.