Exploring the Core of Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare Leadership: A Concept Analysis

To define and clarify the concept of emotional intelligence in healthcare leadership.

Walker and Avant's concept analysis model.

The study was conducted using Walker and Avant's concept analysis model. In the search of the relevant literature, the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology and search protocol for scoping reviews were applied. Searches were conducted in May 2023 with no time or geographical limits on Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, the Web of Science, Medic and Mednar and 42 studies were included. The data were analysed using narrative synthesis by categorising results using the steps of concept analysis.

Concept analysis identified defining attributes of emotional intelligence in healthcare leadership, including leadership qualities, management competencies, and sets of leadership styles which were related to supportive and transformational leadership behaviour. The antecedents were socio-demographic factors, well-being, and workplace resources. Finally, employee-, manager-, organisation- and patient-related consequences were identified, such as the well-being of both employees and managers, organisational performance and patient care quality.

Emotional intelligence in healthcare leadership contributes to better performing organisations, as emotionally capable leaders can inspire and empower their employees. Holistic management of organisational duties and people-oriented leadership is a crucial resource in healthcare organisations. Well-being and workplace resources can be vitally important for leaders to manifest emotional intelligence in their work.

Emotional intelligence can contribute to efficient leadership behaviour and have positive outcomes at the employee, manager, organisation and patient levels. Therefore, emotional intelligence should be addressed in leadership education, training programmes and recruitment procedures. Finally, policymakers should be encouraged to acknowledge the role of sufficient resources in health care to ensure effective leadership.

Emotional intelligence is a widely studied concept in the healthcare field. However, thorough conceptualisation regarding emotional intelligence in healthcare leadership has been lacking. Conceptualising this phenomenon was therefore outlined, providing a deeper understanding of the concept. The findings can be utilised in healthcare leadership development and research.

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No patient or public contribution.