IBIMA Publishing Journal of Human Resources Management Research http://www.ibimapublishing.com/journals/JHRMR/jhrmr.html Vol. 2011 (2011), Article ID 582992, 9 pages DOI: 10.5171/2011.582992 Copyright © 2011 Susan Tee Suan Chin, R.N. Anantharaman and David Yoon Kin Tong. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License unported 3.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that original work is properly cited. Contact author: Susan Tee Suan Chin e-maill: tschin@mmu.edu.my The Roles of Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence at the Workplace Susan Tee Suan Chin, R.N. Anantharaman and David Yoon Kin Tong Faculty of Business and Law, Multimedia University, Melaka, Malaysia ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract The workplace environment keeps on changing, indicating its dynamic nature as well as unpredictability. The workforce is now more diverse, not only in terms of age but also of nationality. Globalization has made the world boundaryless and people are now mobile. Organizations require its employees to be more committed as well as to have a better cohesive working interrelationship. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions as a source of human energy, information, connection and influence. Spiritual intelligence is the set of abilities that individuals use to apply, manifest and embody spiritual resources, values and qualities in ways that enhance their daily functioning and well-being. With both these intelligences happening in the workplace, the environment will be more conducive. A better working environment relates to a higher level of productivity. Keywords : Emotional Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence, Interpersonal relationships ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction The nature of work is constantly changing (Biberman and Whitty 1997). This is evident in the kinds of jobs that employees used to be engaged for. Traditional concept of lifetime employment has also changed. Employees of the future need to demonstrate to the organizations that they can add value to the organization (Harari 1993). Organizations from not only Japan but also the United States of America have started to show an interest in spiritual values (Brandt 1996, Galen 1996, Labbs 1995, Vicek 1992). Organizational soul and workforce spirit have often been overlooked and ignored by many (Biberman and Whitty 1997). Work life reaches and touches into the very soul and spirit of all employees at work. Those at work are constantly seeking ways to improve themselves and a sense of contribution to their work life. Workplace unity creates a stronger organization, one that can withstand the uncertainties in this dynamic business environment. This form of spirit requires not only the spiritual intelligence but also emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence has garnered attention from psychologist, educators, leadership theorists and business leaders (Burbach, et. al 2003). Due to globalization, workplaces have a diversity of employees. As with diversity, collaboration, co-operation and teamwork have become increasingly important issues for management to handle. The current prime minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak has unveiled the new economic model which will act as the driver for the economy. The new economic model requires the best of human capital (The Star 2009). The workplace constitutes people. With people, there needs to be relationships. Employees with good interpersonal skills should be seen as a valuable asset. The