Emotional Intelligence for Effective Leadership in Religious Institutions: A Phenomenological Exploration
Abstract
This dissertation explores the role of emotional intelligence (EI) of religious leaders within religious institutions through a qualitative lens. Despite increasing recognition of EI in various leadership contexts, there is a notable research gap regarding its impact within religious settings. As we bridge this knowledge gap, recognizing the relationship between emotional intelligence and religious leadership efficacy becomes vital. Religious leaders play a significant role in shaping beliefs and values within their community. It is essential for leaders to prioritize emotional intelligence as it directly impacts their ability to empathize, communicate effectively, and manage conflict within their congregation. By identifying and developing emotional intelligence in religious leaders, businesses can leverage the transformative power of empathy, resilience, and interpersonal competency to achieve sustainable development and success. In this case, the phenomenon under investigation was the subjective experience of integrating EI into leadership in religious institutions. This phenomenological study aims to fill this gap by investigating the experiences of religious leaders and emotional intelligence and how EI shapes their leadership practices. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological research design, the study involved in-depth interviews with a diverse group of religious leaders across multiple denominations. The design rationale for this research study was carefully considered to ensure that it would effectively capture and elucidate knowledge through the exploration of lived and perceived experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns in the data, with a focus on understanding the lived experiences of participants. The findings underscore that emotional intelligence is pivotal for fostering deeper connections between leaders and congregants. Key themes include the importance of feedback and support, the practice of self-control and self awareness, active listening and reflection, the fostering of relationships and collaboration, and the use of prayer and meditation to manage stress. Participants consistently reported that high emotional intelligence enabled them to navigate the complex emotional landscape of religious leadership, resulting in more effective leadership and stronger community ties. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on emotional intelligence by highlighting its significance in the context of religious leadership. This research can inform leadership development programs, conflict resolution training, and organizational policies to cultivate a culture of empathy, understanding, and collaboration. In future research, it is important to explore emotional intelligence across different religious traditions and cultural contexts to expand on these findings. Investing in the emotional intelligence of religious leaders can substantially impact the cohesiveness, and inclusivity of communities, benefiting businesses and society at large.