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Vision, leadership and emotional intelligence transforming family business

Richard E. Boyatzis (Organizational Behavior Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA)
Ceferi Soler (Department of Human Resources, ESADE, Barcelona, Spain)

Journal of Family Business Management

ISSN: 2043-6238

Article publication date: 20 April 2012

4437

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the role of emotional and social intelligence in family business leaders and how it can lead to a shared vision and dramatic increase in success of a family business.

Design/methodology/approach

Single organization case study interpreted through Intentional Change Theory.

Findings

Using emotional and social intelligence, two fifth‐generation family business members inspired others by building resonant relationships with them. They created a shared vision among the various stakeholders in the family, the organization and the community. They got others excited about the vision using positive, emotional contagion. The contagion and resonance spread to others in the family, organization, and region.

Research limitations/implications

Although a case study, the implications for future research are to focus on the shared vision or lack thereof in family businesses, focus on resonant leadership, and multi‐level leadership.

Practical implications

Visionary leadership, with emotional intelligence (EI) and resonance can inspire renewal in organizations, families and regions.

Originality/value

Research on the power of vision and EI to transform businesses is emerging, but none of it has focused on family businesses, and in particular, multi‐generational ones. This paper shows how such leadership can transform a family, its business, and a region.

Keywords

Citation

Boyatzis, R.E. and Soler, C. (2012), "Vision, leadership and emotional intelligence transforming family business", Journal of Family Business Management, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 23-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/20436231211216394

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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