Emotional intelligence and climate-conscious decision making in corporate management

Abstract

This study investigates the critical yet undisclosed role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in driving effective climate-conscious decision-making within corporate management. As businesses face mounting pressure to address climate change or traditional rational models overlook the human dimensions of strategic choice. We propose that leaders EI efficiency, self-awareness, empathy, motivation and social skills are pivotal in navigating the complex emotional, ethical, and stakeholder dynamics inherently in sustainability transition. Through a survey of 76 corporate managers and employees across diverse industries, using 12 items to measure EI and 7 items to assess climate-conscious decision-making, this research empirically examines how EI fosters the cognitive flexibility, long-term perspective, stakeholder engagement, and ethical courage necessary for ambitious climate action. By finding EI significantly enhances managers ability to accomplish environmental connection into core strategy, manage resistance and champion sustainable innovation. The paper contributes a theoretical framework linking EI to climate leadership and offers practical insights for developing management ability indispensable for a low-carbon future.