Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Emotional Intelligence
GS Paper IV
Emotional Intelligence — Quick Revision
One-page GS IV revision of emotional intelligence: definitions, ability and mixed models, Goleman's components, EI vs IQ, uses in administration and limits.
SyllabusGS IV · Emotional intelligence — concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance
EI questions reward a precise definition, a named model and a concrete administrative situation. This sheet has all three.
Origins and Definitions
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| Coined as a scientific concept | Peter Salovey and John Mayer, 1990 |
| Popularised | Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence (1995) |
| Definition | Ability to perceive, understand, use and manage emotions in oneself and others to guide thought and action |
| Amygdala hijack | Goleman’s term for emotion overwhelming reason |
Models
| Model | Components |
|---|---|
| Ability (Mayer–Salovey, four branches) | Perceiving, using, understanding, managing emotions |
| Mixed (Goleman, five components) | Self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social skills |
| Goleman’s four domains | Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management |
| Bar-On | Intrapersonal, interpersonal, adaptability, stress management, general mood |
EI vs IQ
| IQ | EI |
|---|---|
| Reasoning, memory, problem-solving | Perceiving and managing emotions |
| Relatively stable in adulthood | Considered more learnable |
| Predicts academic and technical performance | Predicts leadership, teamwork, handling stress |
Applications in Administration
| Situation | EI at work |
|---|---|
| Disaster or epidemic | Calm communication; managing one’s own fear |
| Protest or communal tension | De-escalation, dialogue, empathy for grievances |
| Team leadership | Motivation, constructive feedback, morale |
| Public dealing | Courtesy, patience, reading distress |
| Political pressure | Self-regulation, resilience, firmness without hostility |
| Ethical temptation | Self-awareness and self-control |
High-yield points
- Two names and two years: Salovey and Mayer (1990), Goleman (1995).
- EI is learnable — reflection, feedback, mentoring, simulations, mindfulness, field exposure.
- EI is morally neutral — it can be used to manipulate; pair it with integrity.
- Mission Karmayogi (approved September 2020) — behavioural competencies in civil-service training.
Traps
- EI is not being “emotional” — it is managing emotions intelligently.
- EI does not replace rules, competence or values.
- Do not merely list components; apply each to a situation.
Related Topics
- Emotional intelligence in administration
- Emotional Intelligence — practice questions
- Attitude
- All quick-revision sheets
Advertisement