THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE DIMENSIONS IN PROJECT MANAGER COMPETENCIES IN THE ICT SECTOR

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between perceived emotional intelligence dimensions and project manager competencies in the ICT sector. Drawing on the trait meta-mood approach, emotional intelligence is observed through three self-perceived emotional dimensions: Attention to Feelings, Clarity of Feelings, and Mood Repair. The empirical analysis is based on a cross-sectional survey of 197 ICT professionals in the Republic of Serbia who perform project management roles. Project manager competencies were measured using items derived from the European e-Competence Framework, while the relationships between the constructs were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results show that Clarity of Feelings and Mood Repair have positive and statistically significant effects on project manager competencies, whereas Attention to Feelings is not a significant predictor. These findings indicate that understanding and regulating emotions, rather than merely attending to them, may support competency development in ICT project environments. The study contributes to project management literature by distinguishing the effects of specific trait emotional intelligence dimensions within an industry-specific context.