THE ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN DECISION MAKING: A STUDY OF FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) significantly influences decision-making by allowing individuals to understand and manage their own emotions as well as those of others. This emotional awareness enhances judgment, strengthens interpersonal relationships, and leads to more effective and empathetic decisions in both personal and professional contexts. The objectives of this study are to investigate the impact of emotional intelligence among management on the quality of decisions, strategic decision-making, team performance, and leadership practices. Data for the study were collected using a self-designed questionnaire, developed through an extensive literature review. The questionnaire underwent validation and a pilot test to ensure reliability, which was confirmed to be consistent. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to analyze the collected data. The findings demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between emotional intelligence and the quality of decision-making by managers (r=0.760, p=0.00<0.05). Similarly, a positive and significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and strategic decision-making by managers (r=0.658, p=0.00<0.05), as well as between emotional intelligence and team performance (r=0.541, p=0.00<0.05). The study recommends that management within the bank prioritize the development of an effective emotional resilience program. This initiative aims to cultivate a healthier and more emotionally intelligent leadership team, ultimately enhancing overall organizational performance.