Muhammad Kaleem

Leading with Empathy: Exploring the Role of Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare Management in public hospitals of Pakistan

Muhammad Kaleem

Institite of Business Studies, Kohat University of Science and Technology

dr.kaleem@kust.edu.pk

The healthcare industry is facing unprecedented challenges, from staffing shortages to increasing patient demands in the public sector of Pakistan. Effective leadership is critical in navigating these complexities, yet traditional management approaches often overlook the emotional and social aspects of healthcare work. This study adopts a medical humanities perspective to investigate the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in healthcare management. EI refers to the ability to recognize and understand emotions in oneself and others, and to use this awareness to guide thought and behavior. Through a mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and observational data, this research explores the relationship between EI and leadership effectiveness in healthcare settings. Specifically, it examines how EI influences leaders' ability to foster a positive work environment, manage conflict, and promote patient-centered care specifically in public sector health care facilities of Pakistan. The findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersection of emotional intelligence, leadership, and medical humanities. By highlighting the importance of EI in healthcare management, this research aims to inform the development of more effective, empathetic, and patient-centered leadership practices in healthcare organizations.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Muhammad Kaleem is a Professor at the Institute of Business Studies, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan. His research interests encompass management in business and public organizations, human resource development, and public health. Professor Kaleem holds a PhD in Public Administration and has further enhanced his expertise with a post-doctoral certificate from the University of Kentucky, USA. With a strong academic background and research focus, Professor Kaleem has made significant contributions to the field of management and public administration. His work has been recognized through various academic and professional endeavors, and he continues to play a vital role in shaping the academic discourse in his areas of expertise.