The impact of project manager’s emotional intelligence on project performance: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose A project manager’s (PM) emotional intelligence (EI) is essential for project performance (PP). However, the cause and effect and the potential moderators of the relationship between EI and PP remain disputed. Some scholars found a positive association between PMs’ EI and project outcomes, while some other studies showed non or negative relation. This paper aims to find the relationship between PMs’ EI and PP and the factors that influence this relationship based on diverse prior research. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a meta-analysis of 5,229 observations based on 24 independent studies from 1990 to 2021. Findings Results show that PMs’ EI has a significant positive influence on PP, and the project complexity and measurement of PP are two critical moderators explaining inconsistencies in existing research. Practical implications The current study proposes suggestions for construction companies on PMs’ selection and training. This study also offers suggestions for PMs in management practice. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the inconsistencies in prior research results on the relationship between PMs’ EI and PP at the meta-analytic level. This research extends the current literature by revealing the factors leading to existing consistencies that are not explored before. This study implies that the meta-analysis method could help reach a balanced conclusion based on inconsistent results.

Emotional intelligence, leadership, and work teams: A hybrid literature review

“…In recent years, authors such as Fareed et al [ 161 ], Zhang and Hao [ 162 ], and Zhang et al [ 163 ] have tackled this issue. More specifically, Fareed et al [ 161 ] point out that EI, project managers' intellectual competencies, and transformational leadership contribute significantly to project success.…”

“…Zhang and Hao [ 162 ] have determined that a project manager's EI influences the willingness to achieve objectives in a project; that is, it has a more effective influence on leading team members (mediating team cohesion and duration in project management). Zhang et al [ 163 ] investigated the factors influencing the relationship between project managers' EI and project performance, concluding that project managers' EI positively and significantly influences project performance.…”

“… Perc. Techniques Conceptual Alferaih [ 169 ]; Ashkanasy and Daus [ 151 ]; Balamohan et al [ 113 ]; Bellack and Dickow [ 170 ]; Bencsik and Bognár [ 171 ]; Boyatzis [ 39 ]; Riggio and Reichard [ 130 ]; Cavaness et al [ 135 ]; Edgar et al [ 172 ]; Flores et al [ 114 ]; Hopkins et al [ 173 ]; Ireland [ 174 ]; Kelly and Barsade [ 141 ]; Lambert [ 175 ]; McCallin and Bamford [ 176 ]; McCleskey [ 25 ]; Scott-Halsell et al [ 121 ]; Walter et al [ 132 ]; Ward [ 177 ]; Yusof et al [ 178 ]; Zhang et al [ 163 ]; Zeidner et al [ 150 ] 22 21,2 Applied to qualitative Num. Empirical Qualitative Davies et al [ 179 ]; Mansel and Einion [ 180 ] Interview 2 Applied to Quantitative Num.…”

Examining the Mediating Effect of Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction between Project Manager Emotional Intelligence and Project Success

“…The coefficient of determination represents the relationship between dependent and independent variable. Analyzed value of R-Square is shown in Table 6, which provides insight of this relationship between dependent and independent variable either it is weak, moderate, or strong (Henseler et al, 2015), (Henseler et al, 2016) Based on the earlier research of Zhang, Hao, and Chung (2023), meta-analysis 5329 observation from independent research during 1990 to 2021 showed that there is positive association between emotional intelligence and project success. We also found, and the researchers argued that Project Managers with higher level of Emotional Intelligence develop a bond, a trust with his team which enables him to control the output of the workers.…”