Considerations of emotional intelligence (EI) in dealing with change decision management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that the use of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is proposed as a means to assess how an organization can improve staff performance and productivity (emphasis on leadership), and develop a more effective Human Resources strategy to deal with organizational change. Design/methodology/approach – Through the examination of contemporary research and following a definition review of EI, the service sector benefits, use as a metric, and influence on an organization's human resources strategy (recruitment and training) are presented as justification for EI being a positive influence on the change transformation management strategy. Findings – Research suggests that EI may be a predictor of success, not unlike IQ, in cognitive‐based performance. By incorporating considerations of EI into the organization's change management philosophy, not only does the individual employee have opportunity to improve, but the enterprise gains as well. Research limitations/implications – EI is offered as a metric to measure the success not only of the organization, but also of the individual employee. Caution is recommended to consider the return‐on‐investment in using this metric based on the appropriate and expected utilization. Originality/value – This article addresses how EI can be viewed as a positive influence for improving staff ability to manage the organization's business as well as provide some insight of progress assessment during times of major uncertainty caused by significant change. In this way an organization can facilitate change in a positive climate and influence the culture to be more adaptive and agile. The end result can be an organization that does demonstrate sensitivity even during significant change transformations.