Political Skill Improves the Effectiveness of Emotional Intelligence: Bayesian Network Analysis in the Construction Industry
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 3
Abstract
Political conduct is a normal occurrence in every organization in today's business environment. The political environment in the construction industry is particularly problematic because of the engagement of many stakeholders with distinct expectations and agendas, along with the limited control of project personnel over influential stakeholders. Today, political skill and emotional intelligence are considered to be crucial skills in managing complex interpersonal relationships at work. Therefore, this research investigated the relationship between the two in the context of the construction industry. Data were collected from 273 project personnel working in construction projects in Australia and a Bayesian network was used to analyze the data. This research found that political skill was the precursor of emotional intelligence. Therefore, in the construction industry context, project personnel should exercise their political skill to improve the effectiveness of emotional intelligence when managing stakeholder relationships. Construction organizations could use this finding in their human resource management process when recruiting or promoting individuals to higher managerial levels.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all participating companies, senior managers, safety managers, and respondents who contributed to or participated in this research. The authors are also grateful to TalentSmart that provided the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal at a discounted price.
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Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 26 • Issue 3 • September 2020
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 4, 2018
Accepted: Jan 28, 2020
Published online: May 19, 2020
Published in print: Sep 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Oct 19, 2020
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