UPSC Mains 2017 GS4 Q6 — Emotional Intelligence
(a) How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices ? (150 words) (b) Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate. (150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- applyElucidate
- Scope keywords
- emotional intelligenceadministrative practicesStrength, peace and securitypillars of international relations
- Implicit sub-parts
- Application of the four Goleman components (Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Social-awareness, Relationship management) in daily civil service tasks.
- The interconnectedness of Strength, Peace, and Security—how one cannot exist without the others in global diplomacy.
- Real-world examples of EI in conflict resolution or public service delivery.
- The transition from 'Hard Power' (Strength) to 'Sustainable Peace' in the modern international order.
- Common pitfalls
- Defining Emotional Intelligence conceptually for too long instead of focusing on 'application' as requested.
- Treating 'Strength, peace and security' as three isolated essays rather than an integrated framework of IR.
- Ignoring the 'Strength' aspect in part (b) by focusing only on pacifism, failing to address Realpolitik or deterrence.
- Writing generic administrative duties (e.g., 'working hard') without linking them specifically to emotional competencies.
- Dimensions required
- Goleman’s Framework of EIIntra-organizational management (Team building)Extra-organizational management (Public grievance/Crisis)Realpolitik (Power dynamics)Liberal Institutionalism (Peace and Security agreements)
- Marks allocation hint
For 10 marks in part (a), spend 40 words on EI components and 110 words on specific administrative scenarios like riot control or workplace morale. For 10 marks in part (b), allocate 50 words to define the triad's synergy and 100 words to elucidate their role as pillars with examples like the UN or nuclear deterrence.
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