Role of Emotional Intelligence in Managing Interpersonal Relations at Workplace in the IT Sector

The purpose of the present article is to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in managing interpersonal relations at workplace in the IT sector of India. Based on the facts obtained from the literature review, the article aims to establish a relationship between the variables of emotional intelligence and their corresponding effect on interpersonal relations which consists of parameters namely the need for inclusion, control and affection. The article initially explores emotional intelligence and interpersonal relations and thereafter specifically finds out the relationship between the variables involved. Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behaviour (FIRO-B) instrument and Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test have been used to explore the relationship. The article uses the sample of 81 employees that covered most of the major IT companies with the same size, structure, practises and environment in order to get a uniform respondent set. The age of the respondents varied from 21 to 29 years of age and the work experience varied from 6 months to as high as 5 years. From the analysis done in the study it can be suggested that emotional intelligence plays a significant role in managing and maintaining the healthy relations at workplace in the IT sector.