The relationship between emotional intelligence and effective leadership of female head teachers in management of human resource in selected secondary schools of Lusaka district.

Female leaders are thought to be emotional by nature and that emotions affect their
performance. Female head teachers who run secondary schools are not left out. This
study was therefore carried out to establish the relationship between emotional
intelligence and effective leadership of female head teachers in the management of
human resource in selected secondary schools of Lusaka district. The research was
guided by the following general question; „Is there a relationship between emotional
intelligence and effective leadership of female head teachers in the management of
human resource in selected secondary schools of Lusaka district?‟
The research was qualitative in approach and a descriptive survey design was used.
Research instruments that were used included interviews, questionnaires and focus group
discussions. The area of study was Lusaka district, particularly Lusaka urban. Both
purposeful and random sampling methods were used in the selection of participants. Six
(6) secondary schools were sampled. Sample size was 43 comprising of six (6) female
head teachers, six (6) teachers and thirty (30) pupils, and the District Education
Standards‟ Officer (DESO).
The findings of the study were that most female head teachers of Lusaka district were
aware of the term emotional intelligence and how emotional competencies contributed to
effectiveness in terms of management of human resource. These competencies included
self awareness, social skills, self regulation, motivation and empathy. The conclusion
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from the study is that there is a relationship between emotional intelligent and effective
leadership of female head teachers in management of human resource in selected
secondary schools of Lusaka district. Recommendations are that the MOE should
introduce compulsory training on development of emotional intelligence competencies to
female head teachers.
Key terms: Emotional intelligence, Effective leadership, Female head teachers, Human
resource.