Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Profiles among Students’ Representative Council of Malaysian Public Universities

Authors: R. A. Harun, N. M. Ishak, N. Yusoff, S. Amat

Abstract:

This quantitative research is aimed to identify the level of leadership quality and emotional intelligence for members of Students' Representatives Council (SRC) of Malaysian Public Universities (MPU). The variables include the leadership quality and emotional quotient (EQ). 238 SRC members in MPU were selected as subjects of the study. Data were collected using two instruments i.e. Malaysian Emotional Quotient Inventory (MEQI) and Ayu-Noriah Leadership Audit Trail Inventory (Ayu-Noriah, LATI). Data were analyzed using descriptive (mean and percentage). Research findings showed that the subjects scored highly in four out of five EQ domains (Self-Regulations, Self-Motivation, Empathy and Social Skills). However, the subjects scored medium to low in Self-Awareness. Analysis on the sub domains (a total of 28 sub domains) showed that the subjects scored high in 17 sub domains for EQ, whilst another 11 were at medium level. The overall analysis indicates that the subjects have high level of EQ. Findings on their leadership qualities showed that they obtained high scores in all seven factors that were measured i.e. Strategy and Leadership Model, Recruit, Review Performance and Honor, Deploy Strategically, Developing, Engage and Retain and Built HR Capabilities/Line Ownership. The overall score for leadership qualities was found to be high.

Keywords: Emotional intelligence, leadership, students.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1131669

References:

[1] Dulewicz, V. & Higg, M. 2004. Can emotional intelligent be developed? Journal of Human Resource Management 15(1): pp 95-111.
[2] Goleman, D. 1999. Working with Emotional Intelligence. New York: Bantam Books.
[3] Goleman, D. 1995. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. New York: Bantam Books.
[4] Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R. 2001. Primal Leadership: The Hidden Driver of Great Performance. Harvard Bussiness Review,.42-51.
[5] Hamzah, M.I.M, Ishak, N.M., Ariffin, S.R. & Amat, S. 2009. The Roles of Emotional Intelligence and Emotion Focused Solution: Developing Leadership Qualities among College Students. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. 4(6): 187-199.
[6] Hollander, E.P. 1993. Legitimacy, power and influence: A perspective on relational features of leadership. In M.M. Chemers & R. Ayman. Leadership Theory and Research: Perspective and Directions. pg. 29-48. San Diego: Academic Press.
[7] Ishak, N.M., Ariffin, S.R., Mahmud, Z., Rahman, S. & Ali, M. 2001. Performance and Emotional Intelligence: A Correlational Study Among Malaysian Adolescence. Kertas kerja The Eight International Literacy & Education Research Network Conference on Learning. Speteses, Greece. 4-8 Julai 2010.
[8] Ishak, N.M., Ahmad, S., Desa, K.M., & Abdullah, R.T. 2009. Kepintaran Emosi Sebagai Faktor Peramal Pencapaian Akademik Pelajar IPTA: Implikasi Terhadap Kebolehpasaran. Online: http://journalarticle.ukm.my/2062/1/noriah-et-al-tiada-muka-surat.pdf.
[9] Malaysia. 2006. The Orange Book: Strengthening Leadership Development. Putrajaya Committee on GLC High Performance. Transformation Management Office. Prime Minister Department.
[10] Maurice. 1999. Quotes for Students All About Emotional Intelligence from Six Second. http://6seconds.org. 12 Februari 1999.
[11] Muda, T.E.A.T. 2015. Kecerdasan Emosi, Kepimpinan Dan Kepuasan Kerja Dalam Kalangan Ketua Guru Bimbingan dan Kaunseling Sekolah Menengah. Doctoral Philosophy Thesis Faculty of Education, National University of Malaysia.
[12] Nordin, M.K. 2013. Pengajian Tinggi Pemacu Daya Saing Malaysia. Amanat Tahun Baharu 2013 Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia.
[13] Pool, C.R. 1997. Up with Emotional Health. Educational Leadership 54(8): 12-14.
[14] Ridhwan, A. 2013. Pelajar Kita Masih Tumpul Kemahiran Insaniah. Berita Harian, 16 Julai 2013.
[15] Sosik, J.J., Avolio, B.J. & Jung, D.I. 2002. Beneath the mask: examining the relationship of self-presentation attributes and impression management to charismatic leadership. Leadership Quarterly. Vol. 3 No 3, pg 217-42.
[16] Yusoff, M. 2006. Penyediaan Graduan Untuk Pasaran Kerja Global. In. Halatuju Pengurusan Sumber Manusia dan Kerjaya. Rashid, A.R.A., Hussin, S. & Othman, A.J. pg. 19-31. Kuala Lumpur: Utusan Publications.