Manager's Emotional Intelligence: Impact on Business Performance and Decision-Making

Abstract

Abstract: Workplace is characterized by significant diversity, dynamism, varied teams, and rapid decision-making, which requires mindful awareness and calmness in interpersonal relationships. Therefore, the use of emotional intelligence elements (self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation) are essential for both understanding and implementation by managers and employees. Managers play a crucial role in the problem-solving process, where emotional intelligence is essential, as emotions influence every phase - from the first recognition of an issue to the choices, assessments, and measures taken to resolve it.

The subject of this study is managers and the impact of emotional intelligence elements on their decision-making  and business operations. The aim of this paper is to examine the application of emotional intelligence elements in the management practices of Macedonian companies and to analyze their dependence on specific variables. ? survey method was employed using closed-ended questions and a Likert scale. The anonymous questionnaire was created using Google Forms and distributed via email to 220 companies, obtaining responses from 62 respondents. Descriptive statistics, including the calculation of the arithmetic mean and standard deviation, as well as the ?²-test, were applied in data processing. The collected responses were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software.

The majority of managers indicated that elements of emotional intelligence have a significant impact on business operations and play a crucial role in decision-making. Specifically, the findings confirm that the impact of emotional intelligence elements on business performance and decision-making depends on the work experience of the managers and the size of the company.