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02 Apr 2025
GS Paper 4
Theoretical Questions
Day 23: What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)? Why do we need Emotional Intelligence in bureaucracy? (Answer in 125 words)
Approach
- Give a brief idea about emotional intelligence.
- Explain its role in achieving the targets of welfare state.
- Conclude accordingly.
Introduction
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the capacity to be aware of, control and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Citizen centric nature of the administration needs more emotional connection with the population.
The term was coined by two researchers – Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990 but got popular in 1996 from Daniel Goleman’s book ‘Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ’.
Civil Servants today face numerous problems in the work environment such as: increasing regional, economic and digital divide, widespread application of IT, demand for improved governance, issues get politicized easily, political Pressure and Rampant Corruption, decentralisation of governance to grassroot levels thereby increasing responsibilities and issues of globalisation, migration, terrorism, cybercrimes, information technology etc.
Body
Role of EI in Civil Services:
- For Targeting Policies Better: Bureaucrats need to know emotions, moods and drives of persons at whom public policy is targeted for better acquaintance with the nature of problems in society and their possible solutions.
- For Motivating Subordinates: EI helps a person in comprehending emotions of others, thus an emotionally intelligent civil servant can motivate his/her subordinates towards a particular goal.
- Stress Management: EI enables one to manage emotions in anxiety-provoking situations and thus helps one in maintaining one’s physical and mental well being.
- For change: An Emotionally Intelligent person is more likely to try new things, take risks and face new challenges without fear. This will help in finding innovative solutions to different problems.
- For Decision Making: EI helps in recognizing such emotions that are unrelated to any specific problem and not allowing them to be influential to the result.
- For Better Communication: An Emotionally Intelligent civil servant will be able to communicate policies better. Also, the person will be able to foster a healthy relationship with subordinates.
- For Maintaining Balance in Life: EI helps a civil servant in managing his/her personal life as well as professional life.
- On the Personal Front: EI makes one more flexible, empathetic and clear in expression.
Conclusion
EI helps in conflict management, builds tolerance towards diversity, builds trust and helps in effectively managing stress. A bureaucrat who has EI is a better decision maker and greater motivator for subordinates
