The interplay between emotional skills and leadership efficacy: examining the mediating role of transformational leadership

Purpose This study investigates the relationship between key emotional intelligence traits assertiveness, adaptability, and relationship management and leadership effectiveness in Middle Eastern organizations, examining the mediating role of transformational leadership and the moderating influence of the working environment Design/methodology/approach A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 350 middle and senior managers in Small and Medium Enterprises using a structured questionnaire comprising validated scales. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings The results confirm that adaptability, assertiveness, and relationship management significantly influence leadership effectiveness. Transformational leadership fully mediates these relationships, with assertiveness showing the strongest pathway. The working environment significantly moderates the relationships between emotional traits and transformational leadership and leadership effectiveness, with relationally supportive climates amplifying these effects. Originality/value This study extends emotional intelligence and leadership theories by contextualizing them within the Middle Eastern working environment. It highlights the culturally contingent nature of emotional competencies and leadership behaviors. The findings emphasize the critical role of transformational leadership and relational climates in leveraging emotional traits for enhanced leadership outcomes. This work contributes to a culturally grounded model that informs leadership development practices in non-Western, collectivist, and high power-distance settings.