Leadership Practice, Organization Culture and Emotional Intelligence Among Female Leaders: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Leadership extends beyond seniority or hierarchical position within an organization. It is not acquired at a particular pay grade. However, leaders play vital roles in shaping an organization's success. Their behaviours profoundly impact employees' ability to meet and exceed expectations in achieving organizational goals. Effective leaders adhere to guidelines and empower their followers. True leadership is not solely defined by personality traits, attributes, or titles, but rather by the power derived from competence, effectiveness, relationships, excellence, innovation, and ethics. While historically male-dominated, women are increasingly being promoted to leadership positions due to societal, economic, and demographic changes. One area of leadership studies that has gained significant attention is emotional intelligence (EI). EI, whether as a personality trait or human ability, is considered a decisive factor for mental health, personal growth, and professional success. Previous research suggests that female leaders often exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence in decision-making and their interactions with employees. However, there are inconsistent findings and empirical evidence in this regard. This working research aims to be conducted in Sarawak, focusing on female leaders working in federal agencies and state offices. The study intends to investigate the mediating role of organization culture and test relevant theories pertaining to emotional intelligence. By contributing new knowledge to the field of emotional intelligence research, this study seeks to enhance understanding of the relationship between emotional intelligence, leadership, and organizational culture.