KARACHI:
The idea of social intelligence emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. However, there was little interest in further investigating the phenomenon as it was initially considered controversial. Over the years, social intelligence has evolved and become more apparent. It can be characterised as the ability to accomplish interpersonal tasks, interact with people, be aware of social issues, and have insight into the temporary moods and personality traits of unfamiliar people. It is the interaction between individuals and the attitudes, needs, desires, perceptions, and thoughts about ourselves and others.
Both interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence are integrated parts of social intelligence. Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand other people’s moods and motivations. Whilst intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to examine one’s feelings and shape behaviours accordingly. Social intelligence also includes the ability to empathise, sense non-verbal emotional signals, receptiveness, and interact at a non-verbal level.
In societies like ours where tolerance and acceptance are low, social intelligence can play a crucial role as it enhances interpersonal problem-solving processes. Educational institutes can adopt different methods to inculcate and form social intelligence. Academic curricula should include various activities and courses that can help students develop interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. This will help produce confident, receptive, and determined individuals who will support the growth and progress of the country.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2022.
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