Culture’s influence on Emotional Intelligence among leaders in Multinational teams : A Qualitative study with a focus on Mexico and Sweden

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to analyze culture’s influence on emotional intelligence between Mexican and Swedish leaders among multinational teams. The theoretical chapter has presented relevant theories relating to the field of research. Starting with globalization and internationalization, continuing with leadership and management. Thereafter, emotional intelligence and culture were defined. Followed by crosscultural management and multinational teams. A conceptual framework was illustrated to understand the logic behind the concepts. To gain a deeper understanding a qualitative method was applied. Further the thesis has pursued a deductive research approach. Purposive sampling was done to ensure the quality of the thesis. Furthermore, the empirical chapter presents the cases, followed by the operationalization, to establish a coherent order. In the analysis, the empirical material is linked to the theoretical framework. Lastly, the final chapter includes conclusions, implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed. The outcome of this study has provided an understanding of the high importance of emotional intelligence amongst international business leaders. Furthermore, the findings in this thesis indicate that there are more similarities than differences regarding emotional intelligence between Mexican and Swedish leaders among multinational teams. Moreover, the thesis material emphasizes that nationality has a minor influence on emotional intelligence. It is rather other cultural aspects that have a greater impact.