Leadership and Organizational Commitment in Iranian Teacher Training Universities: The Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence

Subject Areas :

Alireza Tahernejad ^{1 *} , Raja Noriza Raja Ariffin ²

1 -
2 - PhD Professor Madya | Associate Professor Department of Political Science, Public Administration & Development Studies Faculty of Business and Economics University Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel. [phone] | Fax: [phone]

Received: 2025-07-10 Accepted : 2025-09-18 Published : 2025-10-11

Keywords: Transactional leadership, transformational leadership, spiritual leadership, organizational commitment, emotional intelligence, Teacher Training University,

Abstract :

Purpose: Organizational leadership and employee commitment are among the most important factors influencing the efficiency and success of educational institutions, especially teacher training universities. Given the importance of emotional intelligence in managing interpersonal relationships and controlling emotions, this study examines the relationship between leadership styles and organizational commitment of employees of Iranian teacher training universities and evaluates the moderating role of emotional intelligence in this relationship.

Method: This study was conducted using a descriptive-correlational method with the participation of 282 staff members of teacher training universities. Data were collected through standard questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Results: The results showed that all three leadership styles have a positive and significant effect on organizational commitment, although spiritual leadership had the greatest effect. Also, leaders' emotional intelligence played a significant moderating role in the relationship between leadership styles and organizational commitment. These findings indicate that leaders can increase employees' organizational commitment by combining different leadership styles and improving their emotional intelligence.

Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that combining effective leadership and developing emotional intelligence in leaders is a strategic approach to increasing organizational commitment and ultimately improving the quality and efficiency of teacher training universities.

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