Linking emotional intelligence and transformational leadership: an application to technology sector firms’ leaders

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership.This exploratory and transversal study takes a quantitative methodological approach based on survey data from 180 Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) technology sector leaders. Data analysis was performed using the structural equation model (SEM).The results demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between three emotional intelligence dimensions (SEA - self-emotion appraisal, OEA - others emotion appraisal and UE - use of emotions) and transformational leadership (TL). However, the relationship between intelligence dimension regulation of emotions (RE) and transformational leadership was not supported.This study differs from the others as it seeks to establish relationships between emotional intelligence dimensions’ and transformational leadership rather than treating the emotional intelligence’s construct as a whole. Therefore, considering the scarce literature relating to the mentioned constructs fills the literature’s lack. Its applicability in the Portuguese technology sector SMEs is also an innovative factor. We recommend that future studies explore the relevance of digital services for the enhancement of the linkage between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership.