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Emotional Intelligence, Transformational Leadership, and Team Effectiveness: A Systematic Review and Correlational Meta-Analysis
Author(s)
Huanca-Cruz, Jhomira Milagros
Cruz, Zarai Ruth Mamani-De la
Calsin-Pacompia, Jaquelin
Date Issued
28 de febrero de 2026
Type
Article
Volume
16
Issue
3
Series/Report No.
Administrative Sciences
Start Page
116
End Page
116
ISSN
2076-3387
Abstract
Emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational leadership (TL) have been identified as key factors in team effectiveness (TE); however, the empirical evidence remains fragmented and exhibits substantial conceptual and methodological heterogeneity, particularly in studies that simultaneously integrate these three variables. To address this gap, the present study examined the relationships among TL, EI, and TE by applying the PRISMA 2020 protocol and the PICO-S framework. A total of 728 studies published in Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Emerald, ProQuest, and APA PsycNet were identified, of which 22 studies were included in the systematic review and 15 documents in the meta-analysis. The results revealed positive and statistically significant correlations between TL–TE (9 studies, 18 effects, N = 3480; r ≈ 0.45), EI–TE (8 studies, 15 effects, N = 3440; r ≈ 0.41), and EI–TL (4 studies, 6 effects, N = 1955; r ≈ 0.63), with effect sizes and levels of heterogeneity ranging from moderate to high. Additionally, variations in the strength of these relationships were observed according to sample size, year of publication, and methodological quality. In conclusion, EI emerges as a central resource that strengthens TL and, through psychological and relational mechanisms, consistently enhances TE in complex organizational contexts.