The role of emotional intelligence in leading a diverse nursing team

Abstract

Globalization has opened international borders thereby creating a culturally diverse healthcare environment worldwide. Skills necessary to manage this diverse group extend beyond technical knowledge, expertise or excellent leadership skills. This study sought to determine the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in leading a diverse nursing team. A Quantitative, exploratory and descriptive design was applied, using a questionnaire as data collection instrument, to collect data from 390 nurses working in a large training hospital in the United Arab Emirates. The aim was to ascertain subordinates’ views of their nurse managers’ personal competence (self-awareness and self-management skills), and social competencies (social awareness and relationship management skills). The results indicated that the majority of respondents considered their leaders to be effective and emotionally competent. A significant relationship was found between effective leadership and the nurse manager’s self-confidence, self control, empathetic skills and culturally sensitive communication. An in-service training programme was developed and recommended for the further development of emotional intelligence in all nursing managers at this hospital.