The dean in California community colleges: The expectation of emotional intelligence

This study examines the emotional intelligence (EI) competency expectations found in the role of the dean in California Community Colleges. Addressing the knowledge gap about these EI competency expectations, the study uses descriptive statistics to determine the most commonly found EI competencies in academic, career education, and student services position descriptions. The results identify six statistically significant competencies found across all dean position types. These competencies include the ability to demonstrate interest and involvement in advancement of profession; inspiration and integrity while pursuing institutional best practices and improvement; own and institution's core values, vision, and standards; challenging existing boundaries with the intention of improved institutional effectiveness; entertaining fresh perspectives and risks in thinking and problem-solving; and analyzing the institutional environment for possibilities and potential opportunities.