The study’s aim was to enhance existing literature and explore a gap overlooked by scholars on the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI), leadership styles and gender, with the addition of comments and opinions on the practicality of EI in the workplace. A further intention was to expose the leaders of the Finance & Audit department, at Lincolnshire County Council, to ideas of self-awareness and knowledge of EI application, to assist in development. This was achieved by analysing the practical impact of the study for the organisation and its relative importance, an area previously disregarded by literature.
A concurrent mixed methodology, centered around a case study research design, was adopted to acquire quantitative data from 48 questionnaires and qualitative data from a focus group,
which involved 4 senior leaders. Statistics were required to express a relationship between two factors, in association with qualitative data that sought to explore and find meaning to what was presented by the quantitative data. Both were fundamental to further what was already known. Various participants were able to comment on the practicalities of EI and leadership styles in LCC with various examples. This resulted in a well-rounded study that adopted ethical practices accordingly.
Using a regression analysis, the study suggested a strong relationship between EI and leadership style, whilst demonstrating that gender had no influence. Gender was found to impact EI score in isolation, as females scored, on average, higher than male counterparts. Paternalism was the most common style of leadership found, whilst the study explored the impact of this on the organisation. All participants acknowledged the importance of having a
leader with high levels of EI however, confusion was apparent throughout the study implying further development and research was required.
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