EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND PERSEVERANCE IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

This research aimed at examining the association between emotional intelligence and perseverance in secondary school heads in District Gujrat, Pakistan. A quantitative correlational research design was adopted where a population of 325 government secondary school heads was used to select a random sample of 200 male and 200 female head teachers. The emotional intelligence and perseverance measures were measured using self-developed instruments, and both scales had satisfactory reliability and validity. Analysis of data was done on descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. The results showed that the secondary school heads display moderate to high emotional intelligence and perseverance. Emotional intelligence and perseverance showed strong positive correlation which implies that leaders who have a higher emotional intelligence have better chances of perseverance when pursuing long term goals. There was a somewhat stronger correlation among female heads as well. These findings highlight the roles of emotional intelligence cin in promoting perseverance and successful leadership in learning environments. It is suggested to boost emotional intelligence and persistence of school leaders with the help of professional development programs, mentorship, and policy interventions.