Research Proposal - 1
Research Proposal - 1
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH PROPOSAL ON
1
ABSTRACT
Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a critical factor in effective leadership, particularly in
the context of non-profit organizations, where leaders often face complex challenges and must
navigate diverse stakeholder relationships. This research proposal aims to investigate the role of
emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness within Ethiopian non-profit organizations in
Arba Minch.
The study will explore the relationship between the emotional intelligence of leaders and their
overall leadership effectiveness, as perceived by their subordinates and peers. It will examine the
specific emotional intelligence competencies that contribute to effective leadership, such as self-
awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative
data collection techniques. A survey will be conducted to measure the emotional intelligence and
leadership effectiveness of non-profit leaders, while in-depth interviews will provide deeper
insights into the lived experiences and perspectives of the leaders and their teams.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of the role of emotional
intelligence in leadership within the non-profit sector in Ethiopia. The results may inform
leadership development programs, recruitment and selection processes, and organizational
policies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of non-profit leaders. Additionally, the study's
findings may have broader implications for the understanding of emotional intelligence and its
impact on leadership in various organizational contexts.
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to the
successful completion of this research proposal on the role of emotional intelligence in
leadership effectiveness within Ethiopian non-profit organizations in Arba Minch.
First and foremost, we would like to thank our advisor, Kafane.K, for his invaluable guidance,
constructive feedback, and unwavering support throughout the development of this proposal. His
expertise and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping the direction and quality of this
work.
We are also deeply grateful to the administration and faculty of Sata Technology and Business
College for providing us with the necessary resources and support to undertake this research
project.
We would like to acknowledge the contributions of our research team members: Natnael Asnake,
Hable H/mariam, Belay Kentib, Wondimagegn Abraham, and Tesfaye Worku. Their dedication,
collaborative efforts, and diverse perspectives have been crucial in the successful completion of
this proposal.
Finally, we extend our appreciation to the non-profit organizations in Arba Minch and their
leaders who have agreed to participate in this study. Their willingness to share their experiences
and insights will be instrumental in furthering our understanding of the role of emotional
intelligence in leadership effectiveness within the non-profit sector in Ethiopia.
We are truly grateful to all those who have contributed to this research proposal, and we look
forward to the opportunity to conduct this important study.
ii
Table of Contents
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................... i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................................. ii
ACRONYM .................................................................................................................................... v
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the Study ....................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ...................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Research Questions ............................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Research Objectives ............................................................................................................ 3
1.4.1 General Objective ........................................................................................................... 3
1.4.2 Specific Objectives ......................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Significance of the Study ...................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Scope & limitation of the Study ............................................................................................ 5
1.6.1 Scope of the study........................................................................................................... 5
1.6.2 Limitations of the study .................................................................................................. 5
1.7 Definition of Key Terminologies and Concepts ................................................................... 6
1.8 Organization of the study ...................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................ 8
2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE .................................................................................. 8
2.1 Empirical and Theoretical Summary..................................................................................... 8
2.2 Concepts and Definitions ...................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Global Issues and Trends ...................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Regional or Continental or Industrial Facts .......................................................................... 8
2.5 Problems and Challenges ...................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................................... 10
3. METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Data Needed ........................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Data Location ...................................................................................................................... 10
3. 3 Data Collection ................................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Data Interpretation............................................................................................................... 11
iii
3.4.1 Qualitative Data Analysis ............................................................................................. 11
3.4.2 Quantitative Data Analysis ........................................................................................... 11
3.5 Study Population ................................................................................................................. 11
3.6 Data Type ............................................................................................................................ 11
3.6.1 Qualitative Data ............................................................................................................ 12
3.6.2 Quantitative Data .......................................................................................................... 12
3.7 Data Source ......................................................................................................................... 12
3.7.1 Primary Sources ............................................................................................................ 12
3.7.2 Secondary Sources ........................................................................................................ 12
3.8 Method of Data Collection/Instrument ............................................................................... 12
3.9 Questionnaire Design .......................................................................................................... 13
3.10 Research Design ................................................................................................................ 13
3.11 Research Strategies ........................................................................................................... 13
3.12 Sampling Procedure .......................................................................................................... 13
3.13 Method of Analysis ........................................................................................................... 14
3.13.1 Qualitative Analysis ................................................................................................... 14
3.13.2 Quantitative Analysis ................................................................................................. 14
4. WORK PLAN AND BUDGET SCHEDULE .......................................................................... 15
4.1 Work Plan............................................................................................................................ 15
4.2 Budget Scheduling .............................................................................................................. 15
5. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 16
iv
ACRONYM
1. E.g………………………………………...Example
2. EI………………………………………… Emotional intelligence
3. Et.al………………………………………..and others
4. EQ-i………………………………………. Emotional Intelligence Inventory
5. NPOs……………………………………… Non-profit organizations
v
CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and reason with
emotions. It encompasses a range of competencies, including self-awareness, self-regulation,
motivation, empathy, and social skills [1]. Research has shown that leaders with high emotional
intelligence are better equipped to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and make
decisions that consider the emotional needs of their teams and stakeholders.
In the non-profit sector, where leaders often face unique challenges, such as limited resources,
diverse stakeholder interests, and the need to maintain a strong organizational culture, emotional
intelligence can be a critical asset. Non-profit leaders must be able to navigate complex
emotional landscapes, inspire their teams, and effectively communicate with a wide range of
stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and the communities they serve [3].
However, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness within the Ethiopian non-
profit sector has not been extensively studied. Arba Minch, a city in southern Ethiopia, is home
to a vibrant non-profit community, making it an ideal location to investigate this relationship.
This research proposal aims to fill this gap by examining the role of emotional intelligence in the
leadership effectiveness of non-profit organizations in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. The study will
explore the specific emotional intelligence competencies that contribute to effective leadership
and the impact of emotional intelligence on the overall performance and success of these
organizations.
1
The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for non-profit leaders, human
resource professionals, and policymakers in Ethiopia, as they work to enhance the effectiveness
of non-profit organizations and their leaders.
In the case of Arba Minch, Ethiopia, the non-profit sector plays a vital role in serving the public
good, yet the leadership effectiveness of these organizations is often hindered by various
challenges, such as limited resources, diverse stakeholder interests, and the need to maintain a
strong organizational culture. The ability of non-profit leaders in Arba Minch to navigate these
challenges effectively requires a high level of emotional intelligence, which may be a critical
factor in their overall performance and success. However, there is a dearth of empirical research
that examines the influence of emotional intelligence on the leadership effectiveness of non-
profit organizations in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. This research proposal aims to address this gap and
provide valuable insights to enhance the leadership effectiveness of non-profit organizations in
Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
1. What is the level of emotional intelligence among the leaders of non-profit organizations in
Arba Minch, Ethiopia?
2. What is the relationship between the emotional intelligence of non-profit leaders in Arba
Minch and their leadership effectiveness?
2
3. Which specific emotional intelligence competencies (e.g., self-awareness, self-regulation,
motivation, empathy, social skills) are most strongly associated with the leadership effectiveness
of non-profit leaders in Arba Minch?
4. How do non-profit leaders in Arba Minch utilize their emotional intelligence to navigate the
unique challenges faced by their organizations, such as limited resources, diverse stakeholder
interests, and the need to maintain a strong organizational culture?
5. What are the perceptions of non-profit employees and other stakeholders regarding the role of
emotional intelligence in the leadership effectiveness of their organizations in Arba Minch?
3
1.5 Significance of the Study
The proposed study on the role of emotional intelligence in the leadership effectiveness of non-
profit organizations in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, holds significant importance for several reasons:
4
other developing countries, where the non-profit sector plays a crucial role in addressing
social, economic, and environmental challenges. This can lead to a broader understanding
of the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness in the
non-profit context.
5
Sample Size and Representation: The study will rely on a sample of non-profit
leaders, employees, and stakeholders in Arba Minch. While efforts will be made to
ensure a representative sample, the availability and willingness of participants may limit
the sample size. This, in turn, could affect the statistical power and the ability to
generalize the findings to the entire non-profit sector in the region.
Self-Reported Data: The study will primarily rely on self-reported data from the
participants, such as their perceptions of emotional intelligence and leadership
effectiveness. Self-reported data can be subject to biases, social desirability, and
inaccuracies, as the participants may not always provide a completely objective
assessment of their own or their organization's performance. The use of additional
objective measures or observations could help mitigate this limitation.
Contextual Factors: The leadership effectiveness of non-profit organizations can be
influenced by a variety of contextual factors, such as organizational culture, resource
availability, stakeholder dynamics, and the broader socio-economic and political
environment in Arba Minch. While the study will attempt to capture and account for
these factors, it may not be possible to fully control for all the contextual variables that
could impact the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership
effectiveness.
Cross-Sectional Design: The proposed study will be conducted at a single point in time,
which may not capture the dynamic nature of the relationship between emotional
intelligence and leadership effectiveness over time. A longitudinal study design could
provide more insights into the long-term implications of this relationship and how it
evolves within the non-profit sector in Arba Minch.
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and reason
with emotions. It encompasses a set of competencies, such as self-awareness, self-regulation,
motivation, empathy, and social skills, that enable individuals to effectively perceive, process,
and manage their own and others' emotions in personal and professional contexts. In the context
6
of this study, emotional intelligence will be examined as a critical factor influencing the
leadership effectiveness of non-profit organization leaders in Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
2. Leadership Effectiveness
Leadership effectiveness refers to the ability of a leader to positively influence and guide their
followers towards the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. It encompasses
various dimensions, such as the leader's ability to inspire and motivate their team, make sound
decisions, communicate effectively, solve problems, and create a positive organizational culture.
In the context of this study, leadership effectiveness will be assessed based on the perceptions of
non-profit organization leaders, employees, and other stakeholders in Arba Minch.
3. Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) are entities that are primarily focused on serving a social,
charitable, or public purpose rather than generating profits for their owners or shareholders.
These organizations operate in various sectors, such as education, healthcare, social services,
environmental conservation, and community development, and rely on a combination of funding
sources, including donations, grants, and government support. In the context of this study, the
focus will be on registered non-profit organizations operating in Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
8
leaders in non-profit organizations, as they often navigate complex stakeholder relationships and
work towards social impact goals.
9
CHAPTER THREE
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Data Needed
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, collecting both qualitative and quantitative
data to address the research objectives. Qualitative data will provide in-depth insights into the
perceptions, experiences, and perspectives of leaders and employees, while quantitative data will
help measure the levels of emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness.
3. 3 Data Collection
Interviews
- Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with leaders and employees of the non-profit
organizations in Arba Minch.
- The interviews will explore participants' perceptions of the role of emotional intelligence in
leadership effectiveness, as well as their experiences and observations within their respective
organizations.
- The interview questions will be designed to elicit in-depth responses and provide a deeper
understanding of the research problem.
Surveys
- Standardized questionnaires will be used to measure the levels of emotional intelligence and
leadership effectiveness among the leaders in the non-profit organizations.
10
- The surveys will be distributed to all leaders within the non-profit organizations in Arba
Minch to ensure a comprehensive data collection.
- This approach will provide a deeper understanding of the role of emotional intelligence in
leadership effectiveness from the perspectives of the leaders and employees.
- The analysis will also explore any contextual factors or organizational characteristics that
may influence the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness.
- These analyses will examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership
effectiveness, quantifying the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness within
the non-profit organizations.
- The analysis will also explore any moderating or mediating variables that may influence the
relationship between the two constructs.
11
3.6.1 Qualitative Data
The qualitative data will help explore the subjective experiences, perceptions, and perspectives
of leaders and employees in non-profit organizations. This data will be collected through in-
depth interviews and focus group discussions.
Standardized questionnaires will be used to measure the level of emotional intelligence and
leadership effectiveness among the leaders in non-profit organizations. This will provide
quantitative data for statistical analysis.
12
Observations
13
Sampling Frame: The sampling frame will be a list of all the non-profit organizations
operating in Arba Minch, obtained from the relevant government agencies or non-
profit umbrella organizations.
Sample Size: The sample size will be determined using a sample size calculation
formula, taking into account the target population size, the desired level of confidence,
and the margin of error. Adjustments will be made to ensure the sample is
representative and accounts for the heterogeneity of the characteristics within the
population.
14
4. WORK PLAN AND BUDGET SCHEDULE
15
5. REFERENCES
[1]. Rosete, D., & Ciarrochi, J."Emotional intelligence and its relationship to workplace
performance outcomes of leadership effectiveness. Leadership & Organization Development”
Journal, 26(5), 388-399 (2019).
[2]. Goleman, D. “ Emotional intelligence. New York: Bantam Books. Mayer, J. D., & Salovey,
P. What is emotional intelligence? In P. Salovey & D. Sluyter (Eds.), Emotional development
and emotional intelligence” Educational implications (pp. 3-31). New York: Basic Books(2020).
[3]. Bass, B. M. “From transactional to transformational leadership: Learning to share the vision.
Organizational Dynamics” 18(3), 19-31(2021).
[4]. Côté, S., & Miners, C. T. “Emotional intelligence, cognitive intelligence, and job
performance. Administrative Science Quarterly, 51(1), 1-28. Humphrey, R. H. (2021). The many
faces of emotional leadership” The Leadership Quarterly, 13(5), 493-504(2021).
[5]. Mwangi, C. N., Okatcha, F. M., Kinai, T. K., & Ireri, A. M. “ Relationship between
emotional intelligence and academic achievement among secondary school students in Kiambu
County, Kenya” International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology, 4(1), 1-10 (2022).
[7]. Sharma, A., & Rajput, S. “Emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness in non-profit
organizations” Journal of Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 15(2), 123-140(2023).
[8]. Kaur, R., & Sharma, S. K. (2 “Emotional intelligence and transformational leadership in
non-profit organizations” International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing,
26(2), e1706(2023).
16