The Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Capital on Knowledge, Service and Leadership Excellence: Knowledge Sharing and Trust as Moderators

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of emotional intelligence (EI) and psychological capital (PsyCap) on knowledge–service–leadership (KSL) excellence. A conceptual model is developed to explore knowledge sharing as the moderator in EI and PsyCap. Further, the study explores trust as a moderator in the relationship between PsyCap and KSL excellence. Using a structured survey instrument, this article gathered data from 963 faculty members working in various colleges and universities in three cosmopolitan cities (Chennai, Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli) in the southern part of India. The hierarchical regression results reveal that (a) EI is positively and significantly related to PsyCap, (b) knowledge sharing moderates the relationship between EI and PsyCap, (c) PsyCap is positively related to KSL excellence, (d) trust moderates the relationship between PsyCap and KSL excellence and (e) PsyCap as a mediator in the relationship between EI and knowledge and leadership excellence. The findings underscore the importance of EI, PsyCap, knowledge sharing and trust in achieving excellence in educational institutions. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.