The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Practices Among Physicians

Organizational leadership styles have shifted from authoritative and bureaucratic to collaborative with a focus on building relationships and providing quality service. During this shift, leadership skills were expanded to include emotional literacy in training and development. The specific problem addressed in this study was a lack of formal leadership development training for physicians that includes emotional intelligence (EI) and communication skills. Leadership and EI skills can help physicians in the delivery of quality patient care. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the extent of the relationship between EI and leadership practices among physicians using 2 research questions. Transformational leadership and EI theories were the conceptual foundation for this study. The Bar-On emotional quotient inventory short form (EQ-i:S), the leadership practices inventory (LPI), and a demographic survey were completed by 34 participants. Data were examined with a Pearson r correlation and ANOVA analysis to reveal relationships between EI and leadership practices. A statistically significant correlation was found between enable others to act (LPI) and interpersonal (EQ-i:S) (r = .351, p = .049). ANOVA test results showed that statistically significant differences did not exist between the mean scores of male and female participants and EI. Positive social change implications of this study include using the results to create leadership programs for physicians and medical school curricula that contain EI and communication skills for the benefit of physician and patient relationships, healthcare organizations, and society.