An action model research study into group emotional intelligence during horizontal curriculum articulation

The purpose of this study was to examine a faculty group at a School of Integrative Manual Therapy in the northeast and their reports on group emotional intelligence (EI) while engaged in the process of horizontal curriculum articulation. This study specifically utilized a qualitative action research model. The data consisted of transcripts of interviews and focus groups. The researcher analyzed the transcripts and found common themes across the data. It can be concluded that team members report that EI is related to professional knowledge that supports the mission of the organization. Emotional intelligence was reported as having to do with a positive organizational climate that encompassed a familial feeling and was related to interpersonal reactions with the organization's leadership, open dialogue and third party mediation. It can be recommended that group members involved in horizontal curriculum articulation be given time to develop their professional knowledge as an extension of the organization's mission. Managers and group members should strive to enhance the mood of the group by keeping communication systems open. The study implied that teams that understand and adopt trust, efficacy and group identity contribute to a health work environment.