Emotional and social intelligence as drivers of transformational leadership

Implications for supportive learning environments among international students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/82kcd854

Keywords:

Emotional Intelligence , social Intelligence , transformational leadership, supportive learning environment, International Students,

Abstract

In the era of globalized higher education, emotionally and socially intelligent leadership is essential for cultivating inclusive environments. This study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on a sample of 306 international students in South Korea to investigate how emotional intelligence (EI) and social intelligence (SI) drive transformational leadership (TL) and a supportive learning environment (SE). The results demonstrate that both EI (β = 0.122, p = 0.027) and SI (β = 0.679, p < 0.001) are powerful predictors of TL, with SI exerting a dominant influence. Furthermore, TL serves as a critical driver of SE (β = 0.539, p < 0.001) and significantly mediates the impact of both types of intelligence on the student experience. These findings establish that social and emotional fluency are foundational requirements for effective leadership. 

 

Author Biographies

  • Ankita Dipakkumar Limbachia, Kyungsung University, South Korea

    Ankita Dipakkumar Limbachia is a doctoral student in Global Business at Kyungsung University, South Korea. Her research interests include emotional and social intelligence, transformational leadership, sustainable tourism, and cross-cultural management in higher education. She focuses on exploring how emotional and social competencies influence leadership effectiveness and learning environments within international academic contexts.

    Email: g2025519901@ks.ac.kr

     

  • Aura Lydia Riswanto, Kyungsung University, South Korea

    Aura Lydia Riswanto is an academic and researcher specializing in international business and marketing. She is currently ABD (All However, Dissertation) in the Ph.D. program at the Global Business Administration at Kyungsung University, South Korea. Her academic background includes advanced studies in business management and international relations. Her research interests include eye-tracking analysis, digital marketing, big data analysis, consumer behavior, and related topics in global business. She has presented her work at international conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed publications in global business studies. Email: auralee@ks.ac.kr

  • Jue Wang, Kyungsung University, South Korea

    Jue Wang began her academic career at Kyungsung University in South Korea in 2021. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree program and received her doctoral degree from the University of Ulsan (UOU). Professor Wang’s primary teaching responsibilities include human resources management, organizational theory, organizational behavior, business statistics, and academic writing. In addition, Professor Wang’s research focuses on leadership, hospitality HRM, entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior. Email: wangjue@ks.ac.kr

  • Hak-Seon Kim, Kyungsung University, South Korea

    Hak-Seon Kim is a Professor in the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Kyungsung University. His research focuses on hospitality service management, consumer behavior, and big data analysis in tourism. He also serves as the Dean of Global College at Kyungsung University, a specialized program for international students that offers English-taught tracks and aims to cultivate global leaders through international academic and professional education. Email: kims@ks.ac.kr

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Published

2026-04-14

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 13 (2026): Journal of International Students

Section

Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ankita Dipakkumar Limbachia, Aura Lydia Riswanto, Jue Wang, Hak-Seon Kim

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How to Cite

Limbachia, A. D. ., Riswanto, A. L. ., Wang, J. ., & Kim, H.-S. . (2026). Emotional and social intelligence as drivers of transformational leadership: Implications for supportive learning environments among international students. Journal of International Students, 16(13), 125-144. https://doi.org/10.32674/82kcd854