Abstract

Since last two decades, emotional intelligence has drawn much curiosity in different fields. The reason for it can be attributed to many claims that show how emotional intelligence predicts variations in individual behavior and outcomes. Although previous studies have examined the role of emotional intelligence in individual behavior and outcomes, there is a dearth of research investigating the process by which emotional intelligence leads to creativity. The aim of this study was to examine relations among emotional intelligence, positive affect and creativity and the mediating role of positive affect on the relationship between emotional intelligence and creativity. Two hundred participants working in different organizations in India completed measures of emotional intelligence, creativity and positive affect. Results of correlation analysis indicated that emotional intelligence was positively associated with creativity and positive affect and positive affect was also positively associated with creativity. All the four subscales of emotional intelligence were also associated with positive affect and creativity. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that positive affect acted as a partial mediator in the relationship of emotional intelligence and creativity. This study provides an empirical framework by showing how emotional intelligence predicts creativity via positive affect. The study presents important contributions to the literature on emotional intelligence and creativity. Limitations of the study, implications, and future directions concerning possible mediators and moderators are briefly discussed.

Keywords: Creativity; Emotional intelligence; Positive affect; Structural equation modeling; Mediation