The Impact of Relationship Intelligence on Team-based Practice: An Application for the Private Sector in Mainland China

Abstract

This article aims to examine the impact of developing and applying relationship intelligence in team-based practice to provide a clear understanding of the role relationship intelligence plays in team productivity in mainland China. Relationship intelligence, a component of emotional intelligence, focuses on interpersonal interactions that are crucial in team-building but receives less attention. Exploratory qualitative research was undertaken, with emotional intelligence as the theoretical framework and the input-process-output criteria indicating group effectiveness. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews with managers and staff of the private sector based in mainland China after utilizing the Strengths Deployment Inventory 2.0 as a learning tool. The findings identify three ways in which the integration of relationship intelligence positively affected team practice: high overall performance, a positive work climate, and improved attitudes toward coworkers and work-related tasks. The positive outcomes provide researchers and practitioners with valuable information on how relationship intelligence might be leveraged to enhance communication, collaboration, and overall team performance.