Book chapter
Introducing Emotional Intelligence: Making a Case for an Emotionally Intelligent Workforce
Emotional Intelligence for Health and Social Care Practice, pp.1-19
Routledge, 1st
2026
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Before delving deeper into emotional intelligence (EI), it is necessary to clarify key terms that frequently arise in this field: knowledge, competence, and ability.
Though closely interconnected, these terms hold distinct meanings. Knowledge refers to information and understanding acquired through formal education or life experiences. Ability denotes the innate capacity or potential to perform specific tasks or activities. Skills are developed through the practical application of knowledge and abilities, often honed over time. Together, these elements form what are termed performance‑based competencies (National Institute of Health, 2024). This nuanced understanding provides a foundation for later discussions regarding EI as both an inherent and developable capacity. Finally, before offering a deeper understanding of EI later in the chapter, a beginning description is: “The ability to be aware of, understand and manage emotions in ourselves and in others” (GENOS, 2024).
Details
- Title
- Introducing Emotional Intelligence: Making a Case for an Emotionally Intelligent Workforce
- Creators
- John Hurley - Southern Cross UniversityPaul Linsley - University of East Anglia
- Contributors
- Paul Linsley (Editor) - University of East AngliaJohn Hurley (Editor) - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Emotional Intelligence for Health and Social Care Practice, pp.1-19
- Publisher
- Routledge; London, UK
- Edition
- 1st
- Number of pages
- 23
- Identifiers
- 991013372061102368
- Copyright
- © 2026 selection and editorial matter, John Hurley and Paul Linsley; individual chapters, the contributors.
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Nursing; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book chapter