Title: Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Labour and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour in service environments

Authors: Yashotha Ramachandran; Peter J. Jordan; Ashlea C. Troth; Sandra A. Lawrence

Addresses: Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Nathan Q 4111, Australia. ' Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Nathan Q 4111, Australia. ' Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Nathan Q 4111, Australia. ' Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Nathan Q 4111, Australia

Abstract: There is increasing recognition regarding the role of emotions in predicting the performance of workers. In particular, there has been extensive interest regarding the constructs of Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Labour in the promotion of more productive worker behaviour. Research focusing on emotions in the workplace has typically been conducted within western settings. In this study, we examine the impact of Emotional Intelligence (EI) on Emotional Labour (EL) and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) in the Malaysian service industry. Data were collected from 131 front desk employees across four resorts within a Malaysian hotel chain. In line with expectations, analyses revealed that EL partially mediated the relationship between EI and OCB. Implications for theory and practice in non-western settings are discussed.

Keywords: emotional intelligence; emotional labour; organisational citizenship behaviour; service industry; services; emotions; employee performance; Malaysia; hotels; tourist resorts.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2011.044594

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2011 Vol.4 No.2, pp.136 - 157

Published online: 31 Dec 2011 *

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