The Impact of Emotional Intelligence of Leaders on the Motivation and Devotion of Employees in Spa & Wellness Centers

The aim of this research is to find out whether leaders with emotional intelligence competences have influence on the motivation of the employees in spa and wellness centers, as well as on the team spirit and sense of belonging which makes them devoted to the company’s goals. Motivated and devoted employees are one of the key factors for the successful development of spa and wellness tourism, along with natural resources, developed infrastructure, and hotel capacities. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires to 116 respondents among employees in spa and wellness centers within city hotels, as well as mountain and spa resorts. According to this study, managers with emotional intelligence competences have a direct impact on the motivation and devotion of their employees. Therefore, managers should constantly develop their leadership competences and adapt their leadership styles according to the different personality profiles of employees. Emotionally intelligent leaders are emphatic, they have a better understanding of their own and other people’s emotions, and they adapt to changes more easily.