The Heart of Leadership

This master's thesis explores the impact of empathy on leadership, evaluating how empathetic leadership affects employees' motivation, team cohesion, job satisfaction and overall performance. The central aim of the research is to analyse the relationship between empathy and leadership effectiveness, considering both theoretical insights and practical outcomes. The thesis is structured into four main chapters, each addressing distinct aspects of the research process. The literature review examines the definitions and theories of leadership, emphasizing the role of empathy in enhancing leadership effectiveness. This section also explores the historical context, components and measurement of empathy, offering a comprehensive analysis of previous studies on the integration of empathy within leadership. It highlights the existing research gap and establishes the foundation for the empirical investigation. The methodology chapter details the mixed-methods approach employed in the study, combining quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Quantitative data is collected using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to assess empathy levels. Qualitative data is gathered through semi-structured Behavioural Event interviews with senior managers and middle managers. In the last chapters, the findings from the questionnaire and the interviews are presented and analyzed, providing insights into the correlation between leadership and empathy. These results are discussed in relation to the existing literature, offering a deeper understanding of how empathy influences leadership effectiveness.