DEVELOPING YOUNG LEADERS WITH CHARACTER THROUGH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This study uses a quantitative approach with an associative design. The study
population was active students who are members of student organizations at
Pamulang University, with a sample of 106 respondents selected through a purposive
sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through a closed questionnaire
with a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis used multiple linear regression to
determine the partial and simultaneous effects between variables. The results of the
study indicate that emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication have a
positive and significant influence on students' leadership styles. Partially,
interpersonal communication had a dominant influence (X2 = 0.452) compared to
emotional intelligence (X1 = 0.308). Meanwhile, the results of the simultaneous test
showed that the two variables together explained 51.8% of the variation in students'
leadership styles, while the remaining 48.2% was influenced by factors outside this
study. These findings confirm that effective leadership is determined not only by
intellectual ability, but also by the ability to manage emotions and establish effective
communication. Therefore, the development of emotional intelligence and
interpersonal communication skills needs to be a primary focus in student leadership
development programs at universities to produce young leaders with character,
adaptability, and high integrity.