Double edged synergy: How can emotional intelligence and digital intelligence transform the management of multigenerational workforces? Insights from a strategic review

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines how integrating emotional intelligence and digital intelligence enhances leadership effectiveness within multigenerational workforces, addressing a gap on how these competencies jointly shape leadership outcomes in digitally mediated contexts. Existing studies often examine these capabilities separately, with limited evidence explaining how their integration supports communication, engagement, performance, and adaptability across age-diverse teams. Anchored in Emotional Intelligence Theory, Digital Intelligence Theory, and Social Exchange Theory, the study synthesises evidence on how integrating emotional and digital intelligence transforms the management of multigenerational workforces by enabling leaders to address generational differences, strengthen collaboration, and support technology-enabled work environments. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review relies exclusively on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, organisational reports, and institutional publications published between 2019 and 2025. Evidence was systematically identified, screened, and synthesised using predefined criteria and thematic and narrative synthesis. Findings indicate that integrated leadership improves intergenerational communication, employee engagement, knowledge sharing, conflict resolution, digital inclusion, and adaptability during organisational change. Challenges include uneven digital infrastructure, fragmented leadership development, limited longitudinal evidence, and variations in institutional support, particularly in developing economies. The review concludes that integrating emotional and digital intelligence is critical for sustaining organisational cohesion, performance, and adaptability across age-diverse, technology-enabled workforces.

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