Examining emotional intelligence as a precursor of transformational leadership among nurse leaders in Ghana

Examining emotional intelligence as a precursor of transformational leadership among nurse leaders in Ghana

Ebenezer Malcalm, Isaac Boakye

Following the notion that transformational leadership is a solution to many leadership problems and creates valuable positive change in followers, this study examined emotional Intelligence as a precursor of transformational leadership among nursing professionals in Ghana. The overall as well as the individual effects of the sub-dimensions of emotional intelligence on a leader’s exhibition of transformational leadership behavior were examined. Evidence of such links would be considerable for Ghanaian healthcare providers in their quest to find potential nurse leaders to train, so as not to dwell highly on the seniority criterion in the selection of leaders. Thus, 80 leaders and their corresponding subordinates were selected conveniently. A quantitative approach of research was used and a detailed statistical analysis revealed that, nurse leaders from the selected hospitals exhibited an average transformational leadership behavior. Also, others’ emotion appraisal, a subdimension of the emotional intelligence construct had the most variance in transformational leadership behavior. Based on the findings, when leaders are trained to be emotionally intelligent and the skills are fostered, they are more likely to exhibit transformational leadership behaviors which will further result in organizational effectiveness and follower satisfaction. Recommendations, Limitations and areas for further studies were discussed.

2017

http://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=DA2jtasAAAAJ&citation_for_view=DA2jtasAAAAJ:UeHWp8X0CEIC

English