The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship Between Creativity and Organizational Performance in Tourism Enterprises

Abstract

Sustainable success in tourism businesses is possible by creating an innovative and competitive structure. In this process, creativity and emotional intelligence are among the important factors that directly affect the performance of employees. This study aims to examine the role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between creativity and organizational performance. In line with this purpose, data were collected by reaching 92 students who are studying at the Faculty of Tourism of Near East University, who have internship experience or who work part-time. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software; reliability analysis, explanatory factor analysis, correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were applied. Research findings show that creativity positively affects both organizational performance and emotional intelligence. However, emotional intelligence did not play a significant mediating role in the effect of creativity on organizational performance. The study contributes to the literature on the relationships between creativity, emotional intelligence and organizational performance in the tourism sector and may shed light on the shaping of human resources and leadership strategies of tourism enterprises.