“Balancing Tech and Touch: The Role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Next-Gen HR Practices”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/jaes.v22i3.196Keywords:
EI, AI in HR, Digital Transformation, Human-Centric HRM, HR Analytics, Next-Generation HR.Abstract
In the era of rapid digital transformation, Human Resource Management (HRM) is increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven systems that enhance efficiency, objectivity and decision-making capabilities. However, excessive reliance on technology risks diminishing the human-centric aspects of HR, such as empathy, trust and employee engagement, which are critical for sustainable organizational performance. This study examines the integrative role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in enhancing the effectiveness of Next-Generation HR practices within entrepreneurial and SME contexts, particularly in Asian economies. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected from 390 respondents across IT, healthcare, manufacturing and finance sectors using a structured questionnaire. Statistical techniques including reliability analysis, correlation, regression and moderation analysis were employed. The findings reveal that while AI-driven HR practices significantly improve organizational efficiency and performance, EI emerges as a stronger predictor of employee engagement, retention and leadership effectiveness. Moreover, EI moderates the relationship between technology-enabled HR systems and employee outcomes, strengthening their impact when EI levels are high. The study further proposes an AI-driven HR framework that integrates EI metrics into HR analytics to enable emotionally informed, data-driven decision-making. The research contributes to the literature by bridging the gap between technological and human-centric HR approaches and offers practical insights for developing sustainable, ethical and employee-centric HR systems in digitally evolving workplaces.
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