Date

12-4-2025

Department

Graduate School of Business

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management (PhD)

Chair

Richard M Bell

Keywords

emotional intelligence, gender, generation, leader, asset management

Disciplines

Leadership Studies

Abstract

This study aimed to address the challenge some leaders face in managing their emotional intelligence across gender and generational differences. Emotional intelligence is a predictor of effective leadership; therefore, differences in emotional intelligence may result in poor leadership behavior. This study employed a fixed, quantitative, and causal-comparative research design to measure the differences in emotional intelligence among leaders of asset management firms based on gender male and female) and generational groups Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial). Emotional intelligence was measured using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS). Leaders of asset management firms within the financial services industry were randomly selected to complete the survey. The sample consisted of 205 leaders from the United States. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the mean differences in emotional intelligence between genders and generational groups. When examining emotional intelligence by gender, no significant differences were found. When examining emotional intelligence based on generational groups, Baby Boomers were found to have significantly lower emotional intelligence than Generation X or Millennials. When examining gender within generational groups, male Baby Boomers and female Generation X were found to have significantly lower emotional intelligence than the other gender and generational group combinations. This study supports the need for organizations to promote initiatives for a diverse leadership team and for emotional intelligence training and development.

Download

Share

COinS