WHITLOWE R. GREEN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Dissertation Proposal Defense Announcement
ABSTRACT
THE INTERSECTION OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP WITH YOUNG ELECTED
OFFICIALS IN THE UNITED STATES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
(December, 2015)
Brian E. Rowland, B.S. Business Administration, Tarleton State University, 2003
M. CD Community Development, Prairie View A&M University, 2005
MBA Business Administration, Prairie View A&M University, 2009
Chair of Advisory Committee: Lucian Yates, III, Ph.D.
Elected officials are integral community stakeholders who influence the quality of life
people experience in the United States. Young Elected Officials (YEO) are using that influence
as they lead policy conversations at the national, state, and local levels. As YEOs navigate their
place within the governing landscape, it begs the question why some elected officials are more
effective than others: what are the traits that embody elected leadership that “transforms” and
improves communities locally and nationally? Examining emotional intelligence and
transformational leadership may provide measures that inform and influence leadership and
therefore positively impact community development. The purpose of this study is to examine and
test some of the theoretical ties between emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational
leadership (TL). The researcher will further investigate the possible relationships between core
EI traits and TL behaviors of YEOs. The independent variables in this study are the core EI traits
of empathetic response, mood regulation, interpersonal skills, internal motivation, and selfawareness. The dependent variables consist of the TL aspects of inspirational motivation,
individualized consideration, idealized influence, and intellectual stimulation.
The researcher employs a research methodology approach and uses a voluntary selfreporting survey to determine if there is a relationship between scores on EI traits, using the
Carson et al. EI Assessment Tool, and TL characteristics, using the Bass & Avolio
Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ).
The researcher seeks to develop knowledge on how Young Elected Officials can affect
positive change in communities by understanding the impact of emotional intelligence and
transformational leadership in their development of policies and practices. Examining and
demonstrating the core traits of EI and TL within Young Elected Officials, can provide a
foundation for strengthening relationships with community members to increase empowerment
and improve their quality of life.
Given the purpose of this quantitative correlational research study, the following research
questions and hypotheses were developed:
RQ1: What are the relationship between EI scores and TL scores among
Young Elected Officials?
H01: There are no statistically relationships between EI scores and TL scores among
Young Elected Officials.
RQ2: What are the relationships among EI, TL, and race of Young Elected
Officials?
H02: There are no statistically significant relationships among EI,
TL, and race of Young Elected Officials.
RQ3: What are the relationships among EI, TL, and gender of Young Elected
Officials?
H03: There are no statistically significant relationships among EI,
TL, and gender of Young Elected Officials.
RQ4: What are the relationships among EI, TL, race, and gender of Young
Elected Officials?
H04: There are no statistically significant relationships among EI,
TL, race, and gender of Young Elected Officials.
RQ5: What are the relationships among EI, TL, and the level of elected office
of Young Elected Officials?
H05: There are no statistically significant relationships among EI,
TL, and the level of elected office of Young Elected Officials.
There are gaps in the literature in understanding Young Elected Officials and their
influence in local, statewide, and national policies and leadership development. Examining the
impacts of emotional intelligence and transformational leadership of this demographic will
contribute positively to the continued expansion of the research knowledge base on the impact EI
and TL have on the behavior of YEOs. Additionally, the findings from this research will
contribute to the proficiency of respective elected officials (and future leaders) and their
influence on leadership development within their communities, which can build relationships and
improve the quality of life for both stakeholders.
Date: December 10, 2015
Department: Educational Leadership and Counseling
Time: __3:00 PM_____________
Location/Room: _Delco 220
Dissertation Chair: Lucian Yates, III, Ph.D._
Dissertation Committee Members: William H. Parker, Ed.D.
Willie Trotty, Ph.D.
Tau Kadhi, Ph.D.