A Critique of Emotional Intelligence

The main aim of this study was to identify the limitations of the extremely popular emotional intelligence construct as it is applied in leadership. The concept is popular because it argues that emotions and not intelligence quotient may perhaps be the true measure of human intelligence and the best predictor of success. Emotional intelligence has since been dubbed the cure-all for all of our social problems. However, this narrative review will reveal that as much as emotional intelligence is important and a necessity, unbridled and unhinged enthusiasm has obscured its dark side. This study is timely and relevant because blind acceptance and application of the emotional intelligence concept might be counter-productive to the leadership process. Keywords: emotional intelligence; leadership; Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT); Intelligence Quotient (IQ); Cognitive abilities. DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/12-5-02 Publication date: July 31 st 2022