A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring the Relationship Between Servant-Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

In today's frenetic ever-changing world, organizations face ambitious destinies, and leaders who aspire to meet and exceed lofty financial goals often find themselves in corrupt terrain. A demand exists in society for more ethical, people-centered leaders (Barbuto, Gottfredson, and Searle 2014; Page and Wong 2000; van Dierendonck 2011 ). A resounding call is emerging for effective leadership embedded in an ethical framework that gives precedence to developing relationships with followers (Page and Wong 2000; van Dierendonck and Patterson 2010). Although the servant-leadership model is the "less travelled road" in leadership (Sendjaya 2010, 39), its characterfocused approach centering on collaboration and a moral mindset may fill the void and lead to more ethical and effective leadership.