Examining the Intersections between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Practices in Higher Education Institutions to Improve Institutional Success

Authors

  • Daniel Kwalipo Mbangula The University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, 340 Mandume Ndemufayo Ave, Pioneers Park, Windhoek, Namibia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0670-3295

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijoe.2025v13i1.52826

Keywords:

emotional intelligence, leadership, higher education , institutional success

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to look into how emotional intelligence (EI) and leadership practices help to improve higher education institutions’ success. The paper explored ways in which emotional intelligence can promote resilience and long-term success in educational settings by looking at how leaders with high EI contribute to institutional success. Furthermore, the paper emphasized how EI can be used to develop long-term leadership strategies that promote the welfare of faculty, students, and the higher education community at large. A crucial aspect of leadership practice is EI, which is the capacity of leaders to recognize how their behavior and feelings impact those around them within the institutions. This study’s results show that emotional intelligence is a crucial and highly relevant prerequisite for academic leadership practice in higher education institutions.

Furthermore, the study determined that the emotional intelligence qualities most relevant to academic leadership were those linked to empathy, motivating and directing others, and appropriately handling oneself. Emotional intelligence becomes apparent as a crucial leadership competency, highlighting how crucial it is for leaders to comprehend and control both their own and others’ emotions. Finally, there is a constant emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between leadership and a positive school culture, emphasizing the roles that leaders play in creating cooperative, trustworthy, and ever-improving learning environments. The researcher reviewed the existing literature based on the research questions. This study employs a systematic review approach by reviewing existing qualitative articles on intersections between emotional intelligence and leadership practices in higher education institutions to improve institutional success. Findings were obtained from the reviewed articles by forming themes to make a thorough analysis and draw conclusions.

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Published

04-11-2024

How to Cite

Mbangula, D. K. (2024). Examining the Intersections between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Practices in Higher Education Institutions to Improve Institutional Success. Innovare Journal of Education, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.22159/ijoe.2025v13i1.52826

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Section

Review Article(s)