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Journal of Applied Psychology 2014

Regulating and facilitating: The role of emotional intelligence in maintaining and using positive affect for creativity.

Michael R. Parke; Myeong-Gu Seo; Elad Netanel Sherf

University of Maryland, College Park

Abstract

Although past research has identified the effects of emotional intelligence on numerous employee outcomes, the relationship between emotional intelligence and creativity has not been well established. We draw upon affective information processing theory to explain how two facets of emotional intelligence-emotion regulation and emotion facilitation-shape employee creativity. Specifically, we propose that emotion regulation ability enables employees to maintain higher positive affect (PA) when faced with unique knowledge processing requirements, while emotion facilitation ability enables employees to use their PA to enhance their creativity. We find support for our hypotheses using a multimethod (ability test, experience sampling, survey) and multisource (archival, self-reported, supervisor-reported) research design of early career managers across a wide range of jobs.

DOI
10.1037/a0038452
Sources
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