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The purpose of this paper is to review the literature in thefield of Emotional Intelligence (EI). The EI construct first appeared in the literature in in Wayne Payne’sPh. D. dissertation in 1986.  Since thatthe EI construct has gained traction in both academic circles as well asmainstream media.  In 1996 DanielGoleman’s book entitled Emotional Intelligence became a wildly popular book inbusiness and management circles as the latest management innovation.    However, several academics have questionedthe validity of the EI construct and several studies have produced someinteresting and conflicting results.  Adiscussion of the definition of EI, its measurement and a review of severalstudies will be discussed.

Leadership;emotional intelligence; performance