Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Debra J. Dean

Second Advisor

Dr. Thomas J. Gollery

Third Advisor

Dr. Bethany Peters

Abstract

This quantitative study explored the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and motivation to lead (MTL) among millennial women in leadership roles. Using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and the Motivation to Lead (MTL) framework, the research examined how four EI dimensions, self-emotion appraisal (SEA), others’ emotion appraisal (OEA), use of emotion (UOE), and regulation of emotion (ROE), relate to three MTL dimensions: affective-identity (AIMTL), social-normative (SNMTL), and non-calculative (NCMTL). Data were collected from 117 millennial women leaders across various industries in the United States. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between SEA and NCMTL, suggesting that those more in touch with their emotions may weigh the personal costs of leadership more heavily. OEA showed positive correlations with both SNMTL and NCMTL, indicating that social awareness may enhance duty-driven and cost-aware leadership motivation. UOE was positively related to SNMTL, while ROE showed no significant relationship with any MTL dimension. These findings highlight that self- and other-awareness, more than emotional regulation, may influence why millennial women choose to lead. The results offer implications for leadership development opportunities and contribute to research on emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven leadership among emerging female leaders.

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