Using Social Media Platforms in the United Arab Emirates to Create Ethical, Cultural and Social Awareness through Emotional Intelligence Principles

Abstract

Research over the years (Goleman, 1998; Salovay, 2000; Mayer et al., 2000; Higgs & Dulewizc,2003) has provided an interested focus on the significance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and work success in leadership and managing others. There is a noticeable rise on the subject since the last decade. These studies show the higher the EQ levels in leaders and employees the higher the organizational Return on Investment (ROI). The construct EQ was discovered in the 1990’s and has since grown in understanding both personal and professional development. Daniel Goleman defined EQ as a set of standards of emotional and social skills. He goes on to describe it as ‘the skills or competencies to be able to know one’s own emotions, manage one’s own emotions, self-motivate as well as recognize others’ emotions and handle relationships”(Goleman, 1998; p.93). Since then, the construct has received widespread international attention and the United Arab Emirates platform is no exception. In another research, in 2003, comparing intellectual, emotional and managerial intelligence, Higgs and Dulewicz found that the combination of emotional and intellectual intelligence was a better forecaster of achievement than either of them alone. Their findings prove that, in the ability to identify and understand one’s emotions, leaders are able to practice meaningful work that make participants effective and efficient as well as happy and fulfilled. Another literature review shows that internationally EQ can be broken down into five main principles and those are: self- awareness, self-control, adaptability, empathy and conflict management (Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, 2000).