Working with emotions: emotional intelligence, performance and creativity in the knowledge-intensive workforce

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether work-related emotional intelligence (W-EI) benefits job performance among knowledge-intensive workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Postdoctoral researchers (Study 1) and industry researchers (Study 2) were recruited (total N = 304). These knowledge workers completed an ability-based emotional intelligence (EI) test and characterized their work-related performance. Potential moderators were also assessed.

Findings

There were positive relations between W-EI scores and both task performance and creative performance. In addition, these relationships were stronger in the context of higher levels of job negative affect and/or role overload.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, these findings are among the first to demonstrate the value of the EI construct within a knowledge-intensive workforce.

Citation

Stawicki, C., Krishnakumar, S. and Robinson, M.D. (2023), "Working with emotions: emotional intelligence, performance and creativity in the knowledge-intensive workforce", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 285-301. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-07-2021-0556