Is Generalized Notion of Emotional Intelligence Conveyable to all Cultures?

Amrita Mohanty; Ganesh Prasad Das

Amrita Mohanty Professor, Former Head & Dean, Institute of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Ganesh Prasad Das Assistant Professor, Institute of Business and Computer Studies (IBCS), SOA University, Bhubaneswar, India

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Cultures

Abstract

The subject emotional intelligence (EI) now becomes a popular and a well researched area of study that does not need any introduction. The essence and relevance of emotional intelligence has been scientifically studied and researched in the academic as well as corporate arena. In spite of how EI has been appraised in general, its cultural relevancy still remains unrecognized. The assumption that emotions generalized are certainly not conveyable to all cultures. Hence, its cross-cultural importance is still considered as an unexplored area. Through this paper the authors tries to explore Daniel Goleman's 'EI Competencies' against the backdrop of Indian culture through the Arthasastra. It examines the resemblances and draws comparisons between the emotionally intelligent managers in the corporate world illustrated by Daniel Goleman, and the emotionally stable Rajarishi (a king who is wise like a sage) as mentioned by Kautilya in the Arthasastra.