Emotional intelligence and cognitive abilities: their relationship with performance and cooperative behavior

Abstract

The objective of this study is to find out whether emotional intelligence and cognitive abilities affect decision makers’ performance and cooperative behavior. Using data collected from an experiment-based survey, with 96 participants, we find a positive relationship between emotional intelligence and performance. We also find that people with high levels of emotional intelligence have a tendency to be less cooperative; in particular, participants with high levels of self and social awareness show less interest to cooperate.