MBA thesis · HIBA · 2024
Emotional Intelligence & Decision-Making Effectiveness
The Effect of Emotional Intelligence on the Effectiveness of Decision Making: A Case Study of UNRWA in Syria
أثر الذكاء العاطفي في فعالية اتخاذ القرارات: دراسة حالة الأونروا في سوريا
An applied study of the relationship between emotional-intelligence competencies and decision-making effectiveness in a high-pressure humanitarian setting, translating evidence into implications for leadership, training and organisational culture.
Accredited MBA thesis · 111 pages · 2024Explore the findings↓Evidence-based research brief · no downloadable file
Work summary
Presentation reviewed:
- Work type
- MBA thesis
- Status
- Academic research; R² reconciliation pending
- Date and scope
- 2024 · Higher Institute of Business Administration
- Tareq’s role
- Researcher and thesis author
- Outputs
- Analysis of emotional intelligence and decision-making effectiveness
- Evidence scope
- 123 administrative staff; statistical association within the study context
To what extent is emotional intelligence, across its five dimensions, associated with decision-making effectiveness among administrative staff in a complex, high-pressure humanitarian context?
Study at a glance
EI FRAMEWORK
Emotional-intelligence dimensions
Self-awareness
Recognising emotions and their influence on judgement and behaviour.
Emotional regulation
Managing emotional responses, particularly under pressure.
Self-motivation
Directing persistence and motivation towards goals and achievement.
Empathy
Considering others’ emotions and perspectives when forming decisions.
Relationship management
Communicating, collaborating and managing interaction and conflict effectively.
Methodology
An applied case study connecting psychological measurement with organisational behaviour.
Context
A humanitarian work setting in Syria where decisions are made under pressure and complexity.
Sample
123 administrative staff members in Damascus, within the study’s defined population.
Instrument
A questionnaire measuring emotional-intelligence dimensions and decision-making effectiveness.
Analysis
Pearson correlation, regression and significance testing to examine relationships between variables.
Central finding
A strong positive relationship between emotional intelligence and decision-making effectiveness.
Correlation coefficient R as reported in the thesis, within the sample.
Emotional-intelligence dimensions examined in the study.
Statistical significance of the overall relationship.
Sample size underpinning the analysis.
The findings are presented as a strong statistical association within a bounded case study, not as absolute causal proof or an unrestricted generalisation beyond the sample and context.
Methodological note: R² is withheld pending reconciliation of Table 15 in the thesis with the original statistical output. No replacement value has been adopted.
Applied value
Decisions under pressure
Build awareness of emotions before evaluating alternatives or responding to sensitive situations.
Communication and teamwork
Strengthen listening, perspective-sharing and inclusive decision processes.
Conflict management
Use regulation and empathy to support problem-solving and constructive disagreement.
Institutional training
Design practical EI programmes around real decision situations.
An example of the approach
From the research framework to a leadership exercise
An illustrative exercise composed for TAS from the study dimensions; not a validated psychological measure or an output tested in the study.
| Element | Illustrative application |
|---|---|
| Self-awareness | Which emotion might be influencing my judgement here? |
| Response regulation | What information do I need before responding? |
| Empathy | Which perspective have I not yet considered? |
| Decision review | What alternatives are available, and what evidence supports my choice? |
Integrity and presentation limits
A professional presentation that protects the document and its institutional context.
- The website does not provide the original thesis, dataset or raw responses for download.
- No participant names or identifying employment details are displayed.
- Results are described as relationships and associations, avoiding unsupported causal claims.
- UNRWA appears as the historical case-study context; TAS does not represent or imply current endorsement by the Agency.
Connected professional evidence
The research is complemented by applied leadership and professional-learning development.
UN Supervisory Skills
Four days of intensive learning in leadership, delegation, difficult conversations, motivation and workplace communication.
Community of Practice Moderator Training
Professional development in facilitating digital communities of practice and collaborative learning.
Qualified Internal Trainer
Earlier institutional evidence of training and capacity-building qualification.
Emailing & Report Writing
Evidence of delivering professional staff training, rather than attendance alone.
Abu Shawish, T. (2024). The Effect of Emotional Intelligence on the Effectiveness of Decision Making: A Case Study of UNRWA in Syria. MBA thesis, Higher Institute of Business Administration (HIBA).