Using Cluster Analysis to Segment Students Based on Self-Reported Emotionally Intelligent Leadership Behaviors Open Access

Using emotionally intelligent leadership (EIL) as the model, the authors identify behaviors that three levels of leaders engage in based on a self-report inventory (Emotionally Intelligent Leadership for Students-Inventory). Three clusters of students are identified: those that are “Less-involved, Less Others-oriented,” “Self-Improvers,” and “Involved Leaders for Others.” EIL behaviors that most differentiate the highest self-ranking group of involved leaders are the extent to which cluster members work to resolve conflicts in a group situation, work to build a sense of team, and consider the needs of others. The underlying constructs of consciousness of context, self, and others are investigated and discussed. Discriminant analysis is used to validate the cluster solution. Cluster analysis is found to be useful tool for helping leadership educators categorize students and by doing so, program architects have an opportunity to design and develop interventions tailored to better meet the needs of individual students.