A model of team emotional intelligence, conflict, task complexity and decision making

Abstract

This article considers how team Emotional Intelligence (EI) differentially influences the relationship between conflict and decision making performance in teams, depending on the complexity of the task being performed. For tasks higher in complexity, it is proposed the primary influence of team EI is moderating the relationship between task and relationship conflict in teams. For tasks lower in complexity, it is proposed the primary influence of team EI is on team conflict norms developed over time. Thus, team EI indirectly affects the relationship between conflict and decision making performance in this context. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.