Emotional Intelligence in the Occupational Settings:A Literature-Based Analysis of the Concept and its Measurement

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an increasingly popular consulting tool. According to popular opinion and workplace testimonials, EI increases performance and productivity in an occupational setting. However, there has been a general lack of independent, systematic analysis substantiating that claim. This article provides a critical review of the research field of EI and examines the usefulness of the construct in the occupational settings. A description of the three prominent models of EI and the measures used to assess each are outlined to facilitate a more thorough understanding of the concept. It also summarized the evidence linking EI to workplace performance. Overall, this review demonstrates that recent research has made important strides towards understanding the usefulness of EI in the workplace. It concludes by providing a number of practical guidelines for the development and implementation of EI measures within occupational settings.