Emotionally intelligent and rights-conscious leadership: How primary school principals address leadership challenges
Montseng Dorothy Lesole · Bawinile Lamula-Mthanti ORCID ↗
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2026 · Vol. 14 / Issue 10 · 122-132
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Abstract
Despite existing research on emotional intelligence in school leadership, principals continue to face challenges that can affect decision-making and equitable school practices. These challenges include managing teacher conflicts, securing resources, and overseeing school finances, all of which have implications for the fair distribution of opportunities and support within the school community. Principals with well-developed emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate these challenges while promoting inclusive and rights-responsive educational environments. Emotional intelligence encompasses self-awareness, recognition of emotions in others, emotion regulation, and relationship management, which includes mentoring, conflict resolution, fostering teamwork, and setting the emotional tone within the school. By engaging with education stakeholders, principals can address challenges while advancing social justice within their schools. This study explores the remedial actions employed by primary school principals to address leadership challenges through the lens of emotional intelligence. Using a constructivist paradigm, the research applies Goleman’s emotional intelligence framework within a qualitative design. Three purposively selected primary school principals participated through interviews and observations, with data triangulated using field notes. Findings indicate that emotionally intelligent principals communicate effectively to resolve staff conflicts, seek stakeholder support, and ensure equitable access to resources. The study recommends enhancing principals’ emotional and relational competencies and fostering stakeholder collaboration to advance both effective and socially just school leadership.
Authors & affiliations
Montseng Dorothy Lesole
34A Companje Crescent
Bawinile Lamula-Mthanti
University of the Free State
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