Emotional intelligence, change management and project implementation in National Environment Management Authority

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence, change management and project implementation within NEMA. The objectives were; examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and project implementation; examine the relationship between change management and project implementation; assess the relationship between emotional intelligence and change management; and examine the mediation effect of change management in the relationship between emotional intelligence and project implementation in NEMA. This study was a cross-sectional research design along with a quantitative research approach. The study focused on 29 projects under the KCL main project targeting the individual project manager/assistant, main project manager/assistant and field officer. Primary data was obtained using a structured questionnaire instrument. The validity of the instrument was determined using expert judgment and CVI while reliability using pretesting and Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Data was analyzed using SPSS v. 25 and Med Graph system to obtain frequency tables, inferential statistics and Med Graph used to interpret results. The study found that there exists a significant and positive relationship between emotional intelligence and project performance. There was a positive relationship between change management and project implementation. It was also revealed that emotional intelligence is positively associated with change management. Results revealed that change management fully mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and project implementation. The study concludes that emotional intelligence and change management are key drivers of project implementation. More so, change management fully facilitates the relationship between emotional intelligence and project implementation. This study recommends; enhancing self-awareness; intensify planning for change; proper managing change; and reinforcing change to boost project implementation.