Leaders Exhibiting High Emotional Intelligence Are More Dedicated to Their Job Performance

Donnisha Beverly, James A. Williams, Miranda Kitterlin

Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Florida International University, North Miami, USA.
School of Hospitality, Sport, and Recreation Management, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojl.2012.14006                

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of information technology leaders’ emotional intelligence on subordinate job performance. Participants consisted of information technology leaders, and were recruited from the Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP) and the Information Technology (IT) Specialist group in LinkedIn (a business-oriented network website). A quantitative, correlational approach was taken by an online administration of two validated instruments—the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) and Van Scotter and Motowidlo’s measures for contextual performance (interpersonal facilitation and job dedication). Findings indicated that there was a positive relationship between IT leaders’ emotional intelligence scores and subordinates’ job performance ratings. Specifically, higher IT leaders’ general mood scores, and optimism scores are associated with subordinates’ higher interpersonal facilitation and job dedication scores. Further, results provided insight on IT leaders’ EI training needs, career development, and guidelines for areas of improvement.

Keywords

Technology Managers; Emotional Intelligence; LinkedIn; EQ-i; Job Performance

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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