Can emotional intelligence be improved? A randomized experimental study of a business-oriented EI training program for senior managers

Purpose: This article presents the results of a training program in emotional intelligence. Design/methodology/approach: Emotional Intelligence (EI) involves two important competencies: (1) the ability to recognize feelings and emotions in oneself and others, and (2) the ability to use that information to resolve conflicts and problems to improve interactions with others. We provided a 30-hour Training Course on Emotional Intelligence (TCEI) for 54 senior managers of a private company. A pretest-posttest design with a control group was adopted. Findings: EI assessed using mixed and ability-based measures can be improved after training. Originality/value: The study’s results revealed that EI can be improved within business environments. Results and implications of including EI training in professional development plans for private organizations are discussed.研究目的：本文呈现了一项情商培训项目的实践成果。设计与研究方法：情商（Emotional Intelligence, EI）包含两项核心能力：（1）识别自身与他人的感受及情绪的能力；（2）运用此类信息解决冲突与问题、优化人际互动的能力。本研究为某私营企业的54名高层管理人员开设了时长30小时的情商培训课程（Training Course on Emotional Intelligence, TCEI），并采用了带有对照组的前测-后测研究设计。研究结果：采用混合式与基于能力的测评工具所测得的情商水平，可通过培训得到提升。创新性与研究价值：本研究结果证实，在商业环境中可实现情商的提升。本文还讨论了将情商培训纳入私营企业职业发展计划的研究结果与实践启示。