School of Business

An examination of the role of emotional intelligence in work and family conflict

Janet A. Lenaghan, Hofstra University
Richard Buda, Hofstra University
Alan B. Eisner, Pace University

Abstract

This study (N = 205) investigates the impact of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the work-family model. The work-family literature, specifically the depletion and enrichment arguments, provides the theoretical underpinnings of this study which investigates a possible explanation for these divergent views. The results indicate that Emotional Intelligence acts as a protector variable of one's well-being in the face of work-family conflict. In other words, Emotional Intelligence interacts with work-family conflict to predict one's well-being. Implications of the results for human resource strategies are discussed as well as suggestions for future research.