The Importance of Emotionally Intelligent Artificial Intelligence in Improving Remote Team Performance: A Mediation-Moderation Model

Mehar Tahir Farid; Dunia A. Harajli

doi:10.69565/jems.v4i3.425

Authors

Mehar Tahir Farid The University of Lahore (UOL), at the Lahore Business School (LBS)
Dunia A. Harajli Lebanese American University (LAU) at the Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69565/jems.v4i3.425

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, Emotional intelligence, Remote work, Virtual leadership, Digital maturity, Team performance

Abstract

As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, organizations are seeking ways to leverage emotionally intelligent artificial intelligence (AI-EI) tools to enhance virtual leadership and team performance. This study examines the role of AI-EI in improving remote team outcomes through a mediation–moderation framework. Building on literature in emotion AI, virtual leadership, and digital maturity, five hypotheses were formulated to test direct, indirect, and conditional relationships. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey of 150 participants was analyzed using regression and the PROCESS macro in SPSS. The findings indicate that AI-EI tools, in isolation, do not have a direct impact on performance (H1 rejected); however, there is marginal evidence of their influence on leadership effectiveness (H3) and moderation effects through digital maturity (H4). Mediation (H2) and moderated mediation (H5) were not supported. The study concludes that the strategic value of AI-EI lies in its contextual integration within human-led leadership, underscoring the importance of aligning technological capabilities with organizational readiness.

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