Transformational leadership and emotional intelligence: an exploratory study

Abstract

Investigated whether emotional intelligence (EQ) is associated with the use of transformational leadership in 49 managers. Managers completed questionnaires assessing their own emotional intelligence and attributional style; their subordinates ( n = 187) provided ratings of their transformational leadership. Controlling for attributional style, multivariate analyses of covariance showed that three aspects of transformational leadership (i.e. idealized influence, inspirational motivation, and individualized consideration) and constructive transactions differed according to level of emotional intelligence. In contrast, no multivariate effects emerged for transactional leadership (i.e. laissez faire or management‐by‐exception). Some suggestions for future research are offered.