The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence Leadership and Team Effectiveness: Literature Review

Abstract

This literature review comprehensively examines the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI), leadership, and team effectiveness. The review defines and explores the key concepts, models, and theories underpinning these constructs, highlighting their interdependence and relevance in organizational settings. The review outlines the influential models of emotional intelligence, including the ability-based model by Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso, as well as the mixed model proposed by Goleman. It then delves into the multiple definitions and theories of leadership, emphasizing the process of influence, goal attainment, and facilitating collective efforts. Regarding team effectiveness, the review discusses the multidimensional nature of this construct, encompassing factors such as team processes, emergent states, and organizational context. The review synthesizes the existing empirical evidence, demonstrating the critical role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and team dynamics. Leaders with higher emotional intelligence are better equipped to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as those of their team members, leading to enhanced communication, conflict resolution, and overall team performance. The review also explores the impact of emotional intelligence on team cohesion, underscoring the potential moderating effects of various contextual factors. Furthermore, the review examines the policy-related aspects, highlighting the growing recognition of the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership development and team-building programs implemented by organizations and governmental bodies. However, the review also identifies the challenges associated with the standardization, cultural adaptation, and resource allocation in the integration of these policies. The literature review concludes by discussing the emerging research trends, such as the emphasis on complexity, interdisciplinarity, and methodological rigor, as well as the ongoing challenges and future directions for this field of study.