Emotional Intelligence for Managing Conflicts in the Sociocultural Norms of the Thai Construction Industry

Abstract

Although research has been done to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict-resolution styles, such research has not been done in the construction industry particularly by considering the influence of sociocultural norms. Data were collected using questionnaire surveys from project managers and engineers (PMEs) in Thailand. The results show that PMEs with high emotional intelligence frequently use the accommodating conflict-resolution style because of the collectivist nature of Thai culture which tends to uphold harmony among people. However, emotionally intelligent PMEs are also flexible. They are not always accommodating, but also comfortable in using the collaborating conflict-resolution style to find win-win solutions and satisfy all parties involved, contrary to their sociocultural norms. The implication of the finding is that construction organizations should consider incorporating emotional intelligence into their exiting human resource–development programs.