| A comprehensive framework for emotional intelligence (2008) | |||||||||||||||
Abstract | |||||||||||||||
| Since Salovey and Mayer's (1990) seminal article on emotional intelligence (EI), a number of alternative models have been developed (e.g., Bar-On, 1997; Cooper & Sawaf, 1997; Goleman, 1995; 1998; 2001a; Mayer & Salovey, 1997; Petrides & Fumham, 2001). This work has provided different approaches to the conceptualization and measurement of El. However, it has also caused some confusion concerning the nature and boundaries of the concept. Variables ranging from emotional abilities and competencies, to so-called 'noncognitive' capabilities and skills have been placed under the banner of EI. Furthermore, while some theoretical models of EI have comprised four salient facets (Mayer & Salovey, 1997), others have comprised twenty or more (e.g., Cooper & Sawaf, 1997). As such, it is not surprising that reviews of the area have described EI as 'popular but elusive with fuzzy boundaries' (Pfeiffer, 2001). This confusion has been the impetus of our work which has been to establish a common definition and taxonomic model of EI that comprises the primary facets of the construct. In this chapter we present our model that is based on a large factor analytic study using several measures of El. We conclude by questioning whether the common facets of EI derived from the analyses are culturally specific or universal, providing theoretical answers to stimulate further research investigation. | |||||||||||||||
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