To pursue sustainability in healthcare, leadership must evolve to meet the industry’s ever-changing emotional and operational demands. Drawing on the social exchange theory and the conservation of resources theory, this study examines the interplay between emotional intelligence (EI), empowering leadership (EL), work engagement (WE), and risk-taking behavior (RTB) among healthcare professionals.
Leveraging structural equation modeling (SEM) on data from 314 healthcare workers, the research uncovers the significant influence of emotionally intelligent leadership on fostering a resilient and engaged workforce. EI emerges as a powerful driver, boosting WE by fueling dedication and focus, and encouraging innovative RTB — a key component for adapting to complex healthcare challenges.
Surprisingly, the findings suggest that EL alone fails to promote risk-taking without the supporting effect of EI, underscoring the necessity of emotionally attuned leaders in environments requiring creativity and calculated risks.
This research underscores the importance of healthcare organizations prioritizing EI in leadership development to foster sustainable innovation and cultivate a deeply committed workforce.
