Emotional Intelligence and its Role in Enhancing Workplace Collaboration

Shumaila Atif; Sarah  Jehangir; Dr Tehmina Tabish Latifi

Authors

Shumaila Atif College of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7509-2479
Sarah Jehangir College of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3675-0383
Dr Tehmina Tabish Latifi College of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4728-5763

Keywords:

Emotional intelligence, workplace collaboration, leadership, performance, organizational climate, professional growth

Abstract

Background of the Study: Despite the growing emphasis on emotional intelligence (EI), much-existing research has focused on specific professional relationships, such as those between managers and subordinates, leaving a gap in understanding EI influences among peer-to-peer interactions. As organizational systems evolve, the need for high-functioning, collaborative teams becomes increasingly apparent.
Methodology: This study utilized a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore the relationship between EI and workplace collaboration comprehensively. The research was conducted across various settings, including hospitals, financial industries, and IT sectors within Karachi. Employees from these diverse sectors provided a representative sample (n=384) using convenience sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Pearson correlation test was applied to assess the correlation between variables.
Results: The EI of the participants was determined, and the analyses revealed that in the domain of self-awareness, n=134 (34.89%) had strength, 156 (40.04%) were in the category of need attention, and n=94 (24.47%) were in development priority category. In managing emotions, strength was the result for n=105 (27.5%) of the participants, and need attention was the finding of n=116 (30.2%) and n=163 (42.44%) were in the development priority category.
Conclusion: EI can be integrated and developed systematically within organizational structures that foster collaboration, foundation, and performance. Despite recognizing its potential for encouraging successful navigation in the current organizational climate, more focused studies and interventions need to be developed and implemented to enhance EI usage and match it to specific context requirements of the workplace.

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