Abstract
Burnout, defined by emotional exhaustion and diminished personal accomplishment, presents a critical challenge within law enforcement, adversely affecting both individual well-being and organizational efficiency. This paper investigates the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in mitigating burnout among law enforcement professionals in South Florida. EI, encompassing the ability to perceive, regulate, and evaluate emotions, is identified as a crucial factor in fostering resilience against burnout. Key components of Emotional Intelligence (EI) — such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills — enable law enforcement personnel to manage stress more effectively, build supportive relationships, and maintain emotional balance. Research indicates that individuals with higher EI tend to experience lower levels of job burnout. This paper critically examines the mechanisms by which EI alleviates burnout and offers evidence-based recommendations for integrating EI training into organizational frameworks. Enhancing EI among personnel has the potential to improve overall well-being, productivity, and agency performance. The study employs symbolic interactionism, drawing on in-depth interviews with law enforcement leaders in South Florida to explore the practical applications of Emotional Intelligence in reducing burnout and enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Presenters
Stephen SussmanProfessor of Public Administration, Andreas School of Business and Public Administration, Barry University, Florida, United States Carole Huberman
Barry University
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Burnout, Resilience, Emotional-Intelligence, Performance, Stress, Relationships, Self-Awareness, Empathy, Training
