Why emotional intelligence is an invalid concept

✍ Scribed by Edwin A. Locke

• Book ID: 102387992
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2005
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 60 KB
• Volume: 26
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0894-3796
• DOI: 10.1002/job.318

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

In this paper I argue that the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) is invalid both because it is not a form of intelligence and because it is defined so broadly and inclusively that it has no intelligible meaning. I distinguish the so‐called concept of EI from actual intelligence and from rationality. I identify the actual relation between reason and emotion. I reveal the fundamental inadequacy of the concept of EI when applied to leadership. Finally, I suggest some alternatives to the EI concept. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.