Mapping the Nexus between Multiple Intelligences and Managerial Competency: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature examining the relationship between Multiple Intelligences (MI) and managerial competency over the past two and a half decades (1999–2025). Using a structured search strategy on Scopus and guided by the PRISMA framework, 48 relevant articles were identified and synthesized, with two additional ABDC-indexed papers added manually to capture recent contributions. Bibliometric and thematic analyses were used to explore publication trends, authorship networks, and emerging research themes. Findings reveal that while MI and managerial competencies have been widely studied in isolation, their integration remains significantly underrepresented, accounting for only ~0.015% of published research. Thematic synthesis identified four major clusters: educational practice and curriculum design, leadership development, psychological resilience and well-being, and theoretical consolidation. Recent empirical studies demonstrate a shift toward applying MI frameworks in management education and leadership training. This review highlights the need for interdisciplinary frameworks that integrate MI with emotional intelligence, mentoring, and digital support systems to foster sustainable leadership and holistic student development. Recommendations for future research include sector-specific validation studies and development of integrated competency models rooted in MI theory.