Emotional Intelligence and Innovation

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Abstract

Until recently, emotions had no place in business. They were considered a forbidden topic in the workplace. Historically, leaders in most organizations neglected emotions in dealing with employees. However, the need for emotional intelligence has become paramount to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. A growing number of academicians and senior managers have recently come to recognize the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in the success of an organization. A number of research studies have established relationship between Emotional Intelligence and effective leadership, team success and employee performance. Instead, management is waking up to the fact that their success is directly related to their ability to work productively with employee emotions. They are realizing that emotions directly influence competitive advantage in today's marketplace. We do not typically hear about the important role that emotional intelligence plays in the process of innovation. However research indicates that emotion influences flexible, thorough and careful thinking, creative problem solving and decision makingall of which are elements of innovation (Isen, U of Stanford 2000). This paper aims to study the impact of emotional intelligence on innovation in oganisations.

Keywords: emotional intelligence, innovation, competitive advantage

Introduction

Emotional intelligence is defined as a person's self-awareness, self-confidence, self-control, commitment and integrity, and a person's ability to communicate, influence, initiate change and accept change (Goleman, 1998). Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage ones emotions in positive and constructive ways. It is about recognizing our own emotional state and the emotional states of others. Emotional intelligence is also about engaging with others in ways that draw people to you.

Core abilities of Emotional Intelligence : Emotional intelligence consists of the following core abilities

* Self-awareness : The ability to recognize your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior, know your strengths and weaknesses, and have self-confidence.

* Self-management : The ability to control impulsive feelings and behaviors, manage your emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances.

* Social awareness : The ability to understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up on emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognize the power dynamics in a group organization.

* Relationship management : The ability...