Emotional intelligence and leadership styles in a petrochemical organisation

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership styles in a petrochemical organisation (represented by transformational, transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles) and to determine if emotional intelligence can predict an effective leadership style. Leaders (N = 161) were selected from a business within a South African petrochemical organisation. Self reports from the EQ-i and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ Form 5X) were analysed. Correlation analyses indicated statistically significant relationships between emotional intelligence and transformational and laissez-faire leadership. Findings indicated positive correlations between emotional intelligence (specifically adaptability) and transformational leadership. Negative correlations were obtained between emotional intelligence (specifically intrapersonal skills) and laissez-faire leadership. Theoretical implications and practical applications of these findings were discussed.PsychologyM.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology