Mediating Factor of Emotional Intelligence in Intercultural Competence and Work Productivity of Volunteers

Abstract

Volunteering, the volunteer’s intercultural competence and emotional intelligence contribute to intercultural education and sustainability in various societies of today. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of emotional intelligence and intercultural competence on work productivity of volunteers. The first part of the article substantiates theoretical associations between emotional intelligence, intercultural competence and work productivity. Based on theoretical insights, empirical research methodology was prepared, which consisted of four categories divided into sub-categories that provided the structure of the question groups. The empirical research involved seven informants working in Lithuania, who welcomed volunteers from abroad. The research was conducted using the method of semi-structured interviews. The conclusions present a systematic perspective towards the role of emotional intelligence in the intercultural competence and work productivity of volunteers. In this context, emotional intelligence works as a mediating factor. The contributing role of volunteer-receiving organisations in the development of the volunteers’ emotional intelligence is also highlighted.

Motivations for Volunteerism, Satisfaction, and Emotional Exhaustion: The Moderating Effect of Volunteers’ Age

“…On the other hand, it is possible that the balance between life and work may affect outcomes such as satisfaction, and this variable would influence younger people more than late adults and older people [56]. In the same vein, other variables could be included in future studies, due to the preliminary evidence that suggest its relevance, as emotional intelligence [57], communication practices [58], organizational pride and trust [59], volunteer management practices [60], among others.…”

The Impact of Emotional Intelligence and Intercultural Competence on Work Productivity of Volunteers in Respect to Age and Length in Volunteering

“…Higher emotional intelligence is associated with higher personal intercultural competence, which in turn responds to the productivity on the job. In the past, such trends have been observed in volunteering activities through qualitative research (Vveinhardt, Bendaraviciene, & Vinickyte, 2019), which has now been confirmed by the results of quantitative research. Similarly, studies carried out in other areas (not-volunteering) have shown that greater intercultural competence has a significant impact on the productivity of working activities (Matveev & Milter, 2004;Okoro & Washington, 2012).…”

Guidelines of integrated management solutions: volunteers’ emotional intelligence, intercultural training and work productivity

“…Still, in recent decades, emotional participation has been widely explored in the context of the ability of emotional intelligence, which helps one establish better emotional connections with people (Goleman et al, 2002;Kunnanatt, 2008;Brackett et al, 2011;Branscum et al, 2014; El-Chaarani, 2016; etc.). While it has been observed that, in a culturally diverse context, emotional intelligence creates the potential to achieve higher work productivity with the help of empathy and social skills (Lilis & Tian, 2009), there is nevertheless a shortage of studies that would combine such components as intercultural competence, emotional intelligence, and work productivity (Vveinhardt et al, 2019). This exact systematic perspective would make it possible to prepare and empower volunteers more effectively.…”

“…Still, some studies demonstrate that organizations are not always prepared to make use of volunteer work (Handy & Srinivasan, 2005), they should be significantly more flexible and pay more attention to empowering even the highly motivated individuals (Einolf & Yung, 2018). The studies that examine the impact of emotional intelligence and intercultural competence on work productivity of volunteers acknowledge the shortage of integrated research in this field and insufficient volunteer preparation for working abroad, which would assess subjective abilities of volunteers and also dedicate time to the development of their intercultural competence and emotional intelligence (Vveinhardt et al, 2019). In other words, in spite of good intentions of the volunteers themselves, the risk remains that, without sufficient competences in the aforementioned field, working abroad will require greater emotional and temporal resources that could be used for work while avoiding additional stress.…”

“…In other words, in spite of good intentions of the volunteers themselves, the risk remains that, without sufficient competences in the aforementioned field, working abroad will require greater emotional and temporal resources that could be used for work while avoiding additional stress. The latest study (Vveinhardt et al, 2019) highlighted the value that volunteers with experience in a specific culture have to the training of new volunteers for a mission, as well as the ability of the receiving organization to appoint an individual-friend (in addition to the mentor) who would help the volunteer integrate better. Nevertheless, considering the breadth of the concepts of intercultural competence and emotional intelligence, the need arises to pinpoint the criteria that reveal the common ground between them.…”