Group leader emotional intelligence and group performance: a multilevel perspective

Drawing from the IPO (Input–Process–Output) model, this study adopted a multilevel framework to investigate the dynamic mediating mechanisms that link group leader emotional intelligence (EI) with group performance. Based on a sample of 64 group leaders and 194 group members, this research applied multilevel structural equation modeling (SEM) and explored two mechanisms, namely group cohesion at the group level and person–group fit at the individual level in the relationship. Results revealed that group leader EI could improve group performance through enhancing group-level cohesion. At the individual level, it showed that group leader EI positively affected P-G fit. The paper utilized and expanded the IPO framework to explain the relationship between group leader EI and group performance from a multilevel perspective. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.