An Examination of the Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Behaviors of Alabama FFA Officers

Abstract

Leadership has been referenced as, “One of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth” (Burns, 1978/1995). Although numerous leadership theories occupy the literature and seemingly limitless research on the construct exists, the question still remains – what characteristics, skills, or behaviors constitute an effective leader? This study sought to contribute to the field of leadership research by examining the leadership behaviors and emotional intelligence of a group of adolescent leaders. If these student leaders were determined to possess above-average emotional intelligence, then it might open the door for future research regarding the role that emotional intelligence plays in the success of adolescents serving in positions of leadership. Numerous studies have examined the connection between the emotional intelligence and leadership ability of college and career adults; however, this relationship has not been as well-researched among the adolescent population. This study endeavored to add to the existing literature by providing insight into the emotional intelligence and leadership behaviors of students who had completed a year of service in a leadership role as an FFA officer. The population consisted of students who had served as an officer at either the chapter, district, or state level in the state of Alabama during the 2023-2024 school year. Through the utilization of two quantitative survey instruments, the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version Short Form (Bar-On EQ:iYV(S)), the officers’ emotional intelligence and perceived leadership behaviors were examined. The collected data determined that these student leaders more frequently possessed transformational leadership behaviors as well as the upper echelon of transactional leadership, and the officers’ mean scores on each of these behaviors aligned with the U.S. norms. However, the emotional intelligence of the officers was above the national average in all but one of the Bar-On EQ:iYV(S) scales. Further research is required to determine if these elevated emotional intelligence scores are indicative of only this group of student leaders or if the connection between leadership behaviors and emotional intelligence is applicable to the adolescent population.