Life-work balance: Emotional intelligence as a crucial component of achieving both personal life and work performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual linkage between life-work balance and emotional intelligence (EI). Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of the literature, it is suggested that life experiences contribute to the development of EI, which then moderates the individual's life-work balance. The effect of emotions in an individual's personal life environment is of primary importance in the development of EI, which influences the work environment. The effects of work experience on one's personal life are influenced significantly by the level of emotional intelligence. Findings - The level of EI is viewed as central to developing an individual's life-work balance, and the primary effect of one's personal life suggests that it is more appropriate to view work as a component of overall life satisfaction; hence the use of the term “life-work balance”. Research limitations/implications – The paper is a theoretical development of a model that emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in life-work balance; as such, there is a need for empirical research to examine the propositions generated by this analysis. Practical implications – Managers should seek to develop emotional intelligence in the work setting to improve employees' abilities to manage life-work balance. Originality/value - This paper extends current research on EI and life-work balance by conceptually integrating these two concepts and provides a framework for future research and investigation.