The impact of managers \' emotional intelligence on encouraging innovation-promoting behaviors among employees: exploratory research at the Technological University

The goal of this study is to evaluate how managers\' emotions are able to assist employees at the University of Technology in Iraq in demonstrating innovative behaviours. Additionally, this research illustrates the significance of leadership in fostering creativity and innovation through a supportive and productive work environment. To carry out this evaluation, a descriptive/analytical methodology will be used as the primary means for the collection of data. A structured questionnaire (45 items) will be developed that consists of two main components: emotional intelligence (self-awareness, emotional regulation, motivation, social awareness and relational management) as well as innovation-related behaviours (exploration, acceptance of risk/failure, critical/analytical thinking, continuous learning). There will be a total of 48 randomly sampled University employees, comprised of different levels of teachers and administrators from each Faculty and Department at the University who received the questionnaire. Using a Kendall-tailed correlation matrix and simple regression coefficient, the statistical analysis found significant positive relationships through both linear models among manager\'s emotional intelligence with behaviors associated with promoting innovation will result when your manager possesses an EI level above average. There was also strong evidence from the regression model indicating that there are positive and significant effects on the dependent variable (innovation promoting behavior) from independent variables (emotional intelligence). Self-awareness and managing your own emotions had the greatest positive influence of all the dimensions, while critical thinking and exploring had the highest positive correlations with innovative behaviors, when examining emotional intelligence in a manager. This research has expanded the current body of literature on Emotional Leadership and Innovation Management within Academic Institutions, and it is recommended that investments should be made towards establishing Professional Development Developmental Curricula to improve the emotional competency of university leaders.