Emotional Intelligence: Its Connection to HRD Theory and Practice

Abstract

The study of emotion has primarily evolved out of two disciplines, sociology and psychology. Each area has evaluated this phenomenon from a multitude of perspectives. Emotional intelligence has its roots within the psychological discipline. There has been a surge of interest throughout the 1990s in the area of emotional intelligence, and two different views of this phenomenon are emerging. The first perspective is called a “mixed-model” and is commonly associated with Goleman. This model is broader and a more inclusive description of emotional intelligence. The second perspective is referred to as an “ability-model,” which is a more restrictive description of emotional intelligence and is associated with Salovey and Mayer. These models form the foundation for research and practice into the role of emotional intelligence in human resource development.