EI, EI, Oh What an Employee: The Biblical Basis for Teaching Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Abstract

Have you ever wondered how a case based on solid legal argument could go so badly when decided by the court? Why does it seem that there is such a large gap between traditional legal education and the actual practice of law? Why are the most intelligent law students not always the best litigators? Why is it that some individuals and some corporations are constantly beset by litigation, while others are rarely seen in court?

This paper suggests that the answers are found in ancient religious writings. Many commentators believe that politicians, judges and other decision-makers should avoid basing their decision-making on religious principles.

However, this paper posits that judges do this all the time, even if unwittingly. This paper argues for the existence of an entire set of rules on which cases are decided, rules which are not part of a traditional legal education. These rules, if understood, explain how certain clients avoid most litigation, why certain litigators are surprisingly successful and why legal argument which has a solid basis in under traditional law is nevertheless lost.

These non-traditional legal principles which have such an impact on litigation can be grouped under the rubric of “emotional intelligence” (EI). Although much has been written on the topic of emotional intelligence, no (discovered) paper ties it to any specific legal code, ancient or modern. Regent University School of Law is a pioneer in teaching “Biblical integration.” This concept argues that most modern law finds its basis in ancient Biblical law, the laws handed down by Moses, Solomon, David, Jesus and others.

Whether the reader believes that these laws have a divine source, or simply thinks they are entitled to consideration because they have survived the test of time, this paper argues that they have value not simply in avoiding litigation, but that they have predictive value in determining the outcome of litigation. Instead of undertaking the entire spectrum of law, this paper focuses on how these principles apply to employees and employment-related litigation.

Keywords: emotional intelligence, labor law, Biblical integration, Christian employee, employee success

JEL Classification: J24, K31, K40, J60, M54