Exploring the interconnection of emotional intelligence and transformational leadership in enhancing CPEC project...

Strategic management and effective leadership are crucial for the successful implementation of megaprojects in infrastructure development, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Based on Resource Based View (RBV) and Social Exchange Theory (SET), the current study examines the impact of Transformational Leadership (TL) and the level of Emotional Intelligence (EI) on CPEC Project Success (PS) using Project Commitment (PC) and Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) as mediators and Top Management Support (TMS) as a moderator. With the help of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) a study of direct, mediating and moderating effects was conducted with data collected from 320 CPEC professionals via questionnaire survey. Results show that Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership have a significant influence on the project's success, while Project Commitment and Innovative Work Behavior are the most effective mediators of the impact. Top Management Support also positively improves the leadership-project success relationship as a moderator. The paper highlights the need for building leadership attitudes based on innovation and gaining strong executive sponsorship for successful and large-scale project implementations. Future studies concerning the effectiveness of leadership in different industries, strategic implications for the sustainability of project and the importance of digital leadership in managing infrastructure should be explored.