Emotional Intelligence and Culturally Grounded Leadership: A Study of Small Business Owners in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines

Minerva Ferranco

doi:10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI2.197

Authors

Minerva Ferranco Polytechnic University of the Philippines-San Pedro Campus https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0484-5820

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI2.197

Keywords:

emotional intelligence, culturally grounded leadership, Filipino values, small business, community entrepreneurship, bayanihan, malasakit, inclusive leadership, qualitative research

Abstract

In a more globalized world, leadership is no longer simply about strategic planning or technical skills, but also about empathy and cultural grounding. This research examines the confluence of emotional intelligence and culturally embedded leadership among entrepreneurs of San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, where business is not just economics but personal and relational. Based on a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the research aimed to grasp how Filipino values like bayanihan (solidarity), hiya (modesty), utang na loob (gratitude debt) and malasakit (sincere concern) are embedded in the practices of local entrepreneurs as leaders. Twelve small business owners took part through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke's (2006) approach was used. Research found four core themes: emotional intelligence as the essence of humane leadership, cultural values as guiding principles, relational leadership that develops employee loyalty, and leadership as stewardship of the community. Participants showed that good leadership is not just about profit and productivity, but about building trust, empathy, and upholding ethical relationships with employees and the community. These results undermine prevailing Western leadership models and confirm the worth of a culturally empathetic, emotionally intelligent leadership style in Filipino entrepreneurship. The study contributes to the discourse on inclusive and values-based business models, offering a grounded framework for leadership that reflects local ethics, nurtures psychological safety, and promotes sustainable development in community-centered enterprises.

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