The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Public Service in Nepal

Abstract

This study examines the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in enhancing public service effectiveness in Nepal. Nepalese civil servants face numerous challenges, including political pressure, resource constraints, corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiency. These challenges negatively impact service delivery and citizen trust. This paper analyzes emotional intelligence models and their four core dimensions within Nepal's multicultural administrative context, synthesizing international EI theories with traditional Nepalese values of compassion and empathy. The findings reveal that emotional intelligence significantly contributes to effective public administration through improved leadership quality, enhanced conflict resolution, reduced corruption, and increased transparency, with successful implementation examples in Nepalese organizations such as certain banks and progressive municipalities. The study identifies specific development measures, including meditation and self-awareness practices, professional EI training programs, 360-degree evaluation systems, institutional policy reforms incorporating EI criteria in recruitment and promotion, and the integration of traditional cultural values with modern management practices. The research concludes that strategic investment in EI development can bridge traditional values with modern governance. This approach will enhance citizen satisfaction, strengthen democratic institutions, and contribute to sustainable national development and prosperity.