Abstract
Emotional intelligence (EI) has been deemed a critical competency for leaders in today's world. However, there is little information to help OD practitioners, leaders, and organizations understand how leaders can develop these skills in ways that meaningfully and positively impact their teams and organizations. This study examined the journeys of senior leaders as they developed their emotional intelligence. The study addressed two research questions: how leaders perceive they have developed their emotional intelligence throughout their lifetimes and how leaders are continuing to develop their emotional intelligence in their lives and careers. Key themes emerged out of leader interviews and were coded, analyzed, and summarized. Key findings were discussed. Recommendations for leaders include engaging in and reflecting on challenging life and work experiences and participating in EI training, while recommendations for OD practitioners include providing stretch opportunities and thoughtfully constructing leadership development programs to prompt self-awareness, practical application, and reflection.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Emotional intelligence -- Case studies; Leadership -- Psychology; Psychology, Industrial
Date of Award
2020
School Affiliation
Graziadio Business School
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters
Faculty Advisor
Kent Rhodes
Recommended Citation
Bric, Erin, "Developing EI: leadership journeys in emotional intelligence" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 1170.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1170
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Organization Development Commons