The effectiveness of virtual teams: An investigation of the relationship between trust and emotional intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry

This study examined the relationship between trust and emotional intelligence (EI) and their impact on overall perceived team effectiveness (PTE) within a virtual environment. The ability for a leader to build trust is an essential aspect in every relationship whether inside or outside the business setting. Trust and the level of emotional intelligence of those in leadership is an essential part of an effective team. When team members trust each other, the sharing of ideas and concerns are done more freely. It also becomes much easier to then focus on achieving project goals and working efficiently as a team. Businesses with high levels of trust are significantly more creative, productive and ultimately more profitable than organizations that experience low levels of trust. In many regards, elements of the core foundation of EI can be learned through one's own life experience but without a sustained focus to improve one's emotional intelligence most people will not see much increase. Emotional Intelligence can be developed at any age and in any environment, if employees can be trained in the core EI skills therefore collectively increasing the emotional intelligence of the entire organization. This study will use a quantitative design by implementing several survey instruments to be completed online by study participants. This design will be used to determine if a relationship exists between trust, EI, and perceived team effectiveness. Correlation data will be used to investigate these relationships and will be gathered from self reporting instruments.