Influence of the project managers' expertise and experience in the success of projects: the moderating effect of emotional intelligence
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 22 November 2023
Issue publication date: 7 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The authors investigated how emotional intelligence (EI) affects the relationship between project managers' (PMgs) expertise and experience and project success for both the team and client.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 290 valid responses from IT project managers. The results were analyzed using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, with Process v4.0 procedure and the Johnson-Neyman (JN) technique to assess the moderating effect of the level of EI.
Findings
Results showed that moderate levels of EI can enhance the impact of PMgs' experience on the project client, while higher levels of EI are necessary to positively impact the team. Moderate levels of EI can improve PMgs' expertise impact on the project team, increasing their effectiveness in interactions with clients and other stakeholders.
Practical implications
It is recommended to consider emotional intelligence alongside technical skills when selecting project managers to address emotional labor, stress, stakeholder management and agility. Providing EI training and experiential learning opportunities internally can improve project managers' emotional intelligence.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on emotional intelligence and project management, highlighting the relationship between technical skills and emotional intelligence levels of PMgs. This research emphasizes the significance of experience and EI in project management, particularly in overseeing complex projects. Additionally, moderate levels of EI enhance PMgs' effectiveness in engaging with stakeholders closely involved in projects.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) FAPE UNINOVE.
Citation
Sposito, L., Scafuto, I.C., Serra, F.R. and Ferreira, M.P. (2024), "Influence of the project managers' expertise and experience in the success of projects: the moderating effect of emotional intelligence", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-06-2023-0129
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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