Mazibuko, Boikanyo Johanna2011-05-172011-05-172011-05-17http://hdl.handle.net/10539/9818MBA - WBSThe 21st century is characterised by the knowledge economy which has highlighted the role of effective leadership in dealing with complexity, change and mobility of knowledge workers. This study examines emotional intelligence as a construct of leadership character and how this relates to effective leadership in knowledge-drive organisations in South Africa. The Mayer Salovey Caruso emotional intelligence test (MSCEIT) was self-administered on-line by leaders within various organisations. Leaders’ effectiveness was assessed by means of the Leadership 360 multi-rater detailing questions relating to how leaders function in their roles. The overall results of the data analysis indicate that a leader’s emotional intelligence may indeed be a key determinant of effective leadership (r = 0.441). The implication of this research is that knowledge-driven organisations as well as academic institution need to consider the integration of emotional intelligence in leaders training and development programmesenEmotional intelligenceLeadershipKnowledge organisationsThesis