BUS130_Dissucion5

Emotional intelligence (EI) is often seen as a superpower in the workplace. It helps us build better relationships, resolve conflicts, and lead teams. But as with any power, how it is used it matters! (EI) can be used for positive influence or, if misused, to manipulate people and situations for personal gain.

Questions for Discussion:

Part 1: Ethical and Unethical Uses of Emotional Intelligence

Describe how an employee with high (EI) could use that skill in ways that are either helpful or harmful in the workplace.

Imagine a scenario: A manager uses (EI) to motivate their team. Contrast this with a case where someone uses (EI) skills to manipulate colleagues for personal advantage (i.e., securing a promotion, spreading rumors, or gaining trust for selfish reasons).

Share a real or hypothetical example (from a job, school, or media story).

Part 2: Rank the Four Dimensions of (EI) for Influence

The four components of (EI) are:

• Self-awareness
• Self-management
• Social awareness
• Relationship management

If someone wanted to influence or "trick" others in an organizational setting, how might each dimension of (EI) play a role?

Rank these dimensions from most to least useful for manipulation and explain your reasoning for each.

Organizational Behavior A Skill Building Approach Third Edition

By: Christopher P. Neck; Jeffery D. Houghton; Emma L. Murray

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc; 3rd edition (2024)