From knowledge-oriented leadership to emotional intelligence to creative performance: teachers' assessment from Chinese higher education

This study is based on ability-based theory of emotional intelligence (EI), relational trust theory and componential theory of creativity. This study investigated knowledge oriented leadership (KOL) as an enabler to EI in Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs). Similarly, this study examined the relationship between EI and creative performance (creative self-efficacy, leadership support) of academicians in HEIs. This study further scrutinized knowledge workers' trust in leaders (KWTL) (relational trust) and organizational climate (OC) (credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie) as mediators between EI and creative performance (CP). This study investigated HEIs' teachers utilizing quantitative and cross-sectional research method. Further, to analyze the hypothetical relations statistically; partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was ascertained. Findings validated that KOL enables knowledge workers' EI in HEIs. Likewise, EI has positive and significant relationship with CP of teachers in HEIs. Similarly, KWTL and OC partially mediate between the relationship of EI and CP. This article explained the invaluableness of KOL towards the comprehension and channelization of self and others' emotions in HEIs. Once the emotions are understood fairly then personnel may utilize them for personal and organizational enhanced growth. This study investigated KOL as an enabler to EI which is a novel trend in HEIs' research. Likewise, KWTL and OC as mediators between EI and CP exhibit originality in the scope of HEIs.