Emotional Intelligence and Effective Communication
Emotional intelligence and effective communication are key topics of concern to many organizations in the world (Jorfi et al. 82). The relation between the duo plays a vital role in the success and growth of organizations. Goleman defines emotional intelligence as the ability to recognize and regulate emotions and others. Mayer and Salovey, on the other hand, refers to Emotional intelligence as the capacity to monitor one's own and other feelings, to discriminate between them and use the information to guide one's thinking and actions (p.202).
Effective Communication and its Impact on Organizations
Jorfi et al. define effective communication as behavior aimed to augment to the result of interpersonal communication (p.83). Gudykunst reasons that effective communication leads to a high level of understanding between two communicating parties (p.425). Jorfi et al. argue such communication add value to the organization because it unites managers, decision making, workers and enhance teamwork. The paper aims to explore the impact of emotional intelligence on effective communication within an organization set up.
Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Communication
Emotional intelligence has a direct impact on interpersonal communication. A study carried out by Marzuki et al. found out that emotional intelligence has a positive relation to motivation, knowledge and skills which are critical components of interpersonal communication (p.270). Marzuki et al. also found out that individuals with higher emotional intelligence have higher motivation, skills and knowledge which are vital for stronger and effective communication between individuals. The study also found that low emotional intelligence leads to less effective communication (p.270).
Emotional Intelligence and Mood
Emotional intelligence is related to mood and mood has a direct bearing on effective communication. Jorfi et al. highlight general mood and particularly happiness as one of the components of the EI that influences effective communication (p.83). Happiness is defined as the capacity to enjoy oneself and being with others and a feeling of satisfaction with one's own life (Jorfi et al. 83). Goleman agrees with Jorfi et al. finding on the role of happiness on effective communication. According to Goleman, happiness plays a significant role in communication because individuals who are happy at work or in life will have better interaction with others (p. 252). However, individuals who are sad will have less effective communication with others. According to Jorfi et al., people tend to change the moods they do not like voluntarily. Therefore, the person who can feel better can find ways to adjust their feelings. Managers of organizations should learn to modify their mood because it will influence the way they communicate with employees and others within the organization (Goleman 256). Goleman shows that if managers and employees are happy, they can have effective communication and better relationships with others. Therefore, general mood has a direct impact on communication and leads to communication effectiveness.
The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Effective Communication
There is a positive relationship between emotional intelligence and effective communication. General temperament and particularly happiness are one of the elements of emotional intelligence that influence communication. People who are happy at their workplace or in life tend to have more effective communication with others than those who are sad. Emotional intelligence also has direct relations to motivation, knowledge, and skills which are critical elements required for effective interpersonal communication.
References
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. New York: Bantam Books.
Gudykunst, William B. "An anxiety/uncertainty management (AUM) theory of strangers’ intercultural adjustment." Theorizing about intercultural communication (2005): 419-457.
Jorfi, Hassan, et al. "The impact of emotional intelligence on communication effectiveness: Focus on strategic alignment." African Journal of Marketing Management 6.6 (2014): 82-87.
Marzuki, Najib Ahmad, Che Su Mustaffa, and Zarina Mat Saad. "Emotional intelligence: Its relations to communication and information technology skills." Asian Social Science 11.15 (2015): 267-270
Salovey, Peter, and John D. Mayer. "Emotional intelligence." Imagination, cognition and personality 9.3 (1990): 185-211.
