• Nida Feroz Andrabi
• Prof. Riyaz Ahmad Rainayee

In today's rapidly evolving business markets, innovation is considered as the lifeblood of organizational success. It fuels competitive advantage by fostering the development of novel products, services, and processes. Moreover, innovation fosters adaptability, allowing organizations to navigate unforeseen challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Continuous innovation has emerged as a critical source of sustenance for organizations, prompting a keen interest among organizations to explore the various factors influencing innovative work behavior. Building upon the recognized centrality of innovative work behavior (IWB) in propelling organizational innovation, this investigation delves into the antecedent factors that serve as catalysts for, and facilitators of innovative work behavior amongst the workforce. Therefore, this study aims to explore the multi-dimensional impact of emotional intelligence on innovative work behavior of employees in the Indian telecom sector. Data were collected from 223 employees working in telecom sector and the data were analyzed using smart PLS-3. The results revealed the positive impact of self-emotional appraisal, use of emotion and regulation of emotion (dimensions of emotional intelligence) on innovative work behavior of employees. However, our findings did not yield the significant impact of others’ emotional appraisal on the innovative work behavior of employees. This study offers several strategic implications for managers, highlighting the critical need to foster both emotional intelligence and innovative work behavior among employees. By cultivating emotional intelligence, employees can create a positive work environment. Simultaneously, encouraging innovative work behavior drives the generation of novel ideas, leading to enhanced problem-solving capabilities and competitive advantage. Together, these efforts can significantly improve organizational efficiency, adaptability, and overall performance, positioning the organization for sustained success in a rapidly changing business environment.

emotional intelligence, innovative work behavior and innovation

"Exploring the Multi-dimensional Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Innovative Work Behavior: An Empirical Examination", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 7, page no.h236-h249, July-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2407731.pdf

"Exploring the Multi-dimensional Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Innovative Work Behavior: An Empirical Examination", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 7, page no. pph236-h249, July-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2407731.pdf