Completion Date
Summer 6-5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Program or Discipline Name
Project Management
First Advisor
Anjali Barnick
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on project leaders within the software industry, focusing on traits such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. The study used a mixed-methods approach and collected and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data. Secondary data sources, including academic literature, were utilized to observe the relationship between EI and project leadership effectiveness. The findings revealed that project leaders with high levels of EI significantly influenced project outcomes, particularly in managing timelines, budgets, and team dynamics. Self-awareness was identified as crucial for effective project guidance, while self-regulation enhanced leaders' ability to manage project constraints. Empathy facilitated better understanding and fulfillment of team members' needs, and strong social skills improved communication and relationship management. These results show the importance of EI in improving project success and suggest that software organizations should integrate EI development into their leadership training programs. The study contributes to the understanding of how EI traits impact project leadership and offers practical recommendations for promoting these traits to improve project outcomes in the software industry.
Recommended Citation
Buttini Correa, P. (2024). Emotional intelligence influence in project leaders in the software industry. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.harrisburgu.edu/dandt/17