Toward a Multi-Level Theoretical Framework of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in Leadership Development: Integrating Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Context, and Organizational Hierarchy

Despite growing interest in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) for leadership development, the theoretical mechanisms through which it enhances emotional intelligence (EI) remain fragmented and underspecified.
This conceptual paper addresses this gap by developing an integrated, multi-level theoretical framework. Through a synthesis of literature across psychology, leadership, and cross-cultural management, we propose the Cultural-Hierarchical NLP-EI Framework. This model delineates the cognitive, behavioral, and relational pathways linking NLP techniques to EI dimensions and specifies the moderating roles of cultural context and organizational hierarchy. The framework provides a theoretical foundation for future research and practical guidance for designing culturally-sensitive leadership development programs, using the African managerial context as a key illustrative boundary condition.

Emotional Intelligence, Neuro-Linguistic Programming

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