Emotional Intelligence and Teamwork in a Ship’s Bridge: A Proposed Training Framework for Upskilling

Sofia Kallou; Nikitas Nikitakos; Dimitrios A. Papachristos; Dimitrios Dalaklis; Momoko Kitada

doi:10.3991/ijac.v19i2.59725

Authors

Sofia Kallou University of West Attica, Athens, Greece https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8204-9267
Nikitas Nikitakos University of the Aegean, Chios, Greece
Dimitrios A. Papachristos National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Dimitrios Dalaklis World Maritime University, Malmo, Sweden https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5260-7910
Momoko Kitada World Maritime University, Malmo, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijac.v19i2.59725

Keywords:

emotional intelligence, teamwork, training framework, Transformative Learning, maritime, seafarers

Abstract

The notion that computers equipped with software and artificial intelligence (AI) applications can effectively replace human intelligence is under the existing paradigm of operations. This is the leading facilitator of task automation on board a ship to fulfill various jobs and is often supported by numerous scientists/academics who contribute to gaining today’s momentum in public opinion. The discourse of Industry 4.0 in the maritime domain, however, tends to focus heavily on technological contexts and overlooks socio-economic contexts. This gap is evident in the strong emphasis on technical and digital skills for future maritime professionals. This paper, therefore, argues that the socio-economic context of Industry 4.0 can be understood as fostering soft skills for future seafarers. In particular, our focus is on emotional intelligence concerning “future skills” on demand in the maritime industry. This paper reviews relevant theories and conceptualizes how integrating emotional intelligence into maritime education and training can support the transition toward maritime digitalization. The main objective of this paper is to present a framework that effectively incorporates emotional intelligence into a teamwork environment suitable for the ship’s bridge and to outline a set of skills training based on Transformative Learning.

References

[1] Maritime Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies (MITAGS) (2023). What Are the Advantages of AI in the Maritime Shipping Industry? https://www.mitags.org/ai-impact-maritime-industry/. Accessed 17 January 2024

[2] Dalaklis, D. (2023). Brainstorming about Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications' Impact on the Shipping Industry, Thalesians Marine Seminar Gibraltar (Hybrid Event) 12 December 2023. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.35201.43369

[3] Kitada, M., Baldauf, M., Mannov, A., Svendsen., P.A., Baumler, R., Schröder-Hinrichs, J.U, Dalaklis, D., Fonseca. T., Shi, X., Lagdami, K. (2019) Command of Vessels in the Era of Digitalization. In J. I. Kantola, et al. (Ed.). Advances in Human Factors, Business Management and Leadership. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing 339–350. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94709-9_32

[4] Johansson T, Echebarria Fernnadez J, Dalaklis D, Pastra A, Skinner, JA. (2023) Autonomous Vessels in Maritime Affairs: Law and Governance Implications. Palgrave Macmillan, London (ISBN: 978-3-031-24739-2)

[5] IAMU (2019) Global Maritime Professional, Body of Knowledge. IAMU, Tokyo

[6] Dewan, M. H., Mustafi, M. A. A., Matos, F., & Godina, R. (2024). Exploring seafarers' knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in SEEMP: A strategic training framework for enhancing seafarers' competence in energy-efficient ship operations. Heliyon, 10(17)

[7] Del Rosario Maldonado, B., Chisaguano, V., & Soria, J. F. (2024). Emotional Intelligence and Job Performance of Crew Members on Navigable Cruises. In International Conference on Intelligent Information Technology (pp. 159-172). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87701-8_11

[8] Goleman, D. (2011). Emotional intelligence in the workplace. (Working with Emotional Intelligence). Pedio, Athens

[9] Bradberry, T. & Greaves, J., 2019. Emotional intelligence 2.0. San Diego: TalentSmart.

[10] Damasio, A. R. (2000). The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness. Harvest Books.

[11] Reeve, J. (2015). Understanding Motivation and Emotion (6th ed.). Wiley.

[12] Fernadez-Berrocal P (2018) Emotional Intelligence. Learning to manage emotions. Radnet, Athens

[13] Rowe AD, Fitness J (2018). Understanding the role of negative emotions in adult learning and achievement: A social functional perspective. Behavioral Sciences 8(2) 27. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8020027

[14] Mayor-Silva, L. I., Del Gallego-Lastra, R., Meneses Monroy, A., Hernández-Martín, M. M., Álvarez Méndez, A. M., Romero-Saldaña, M., & Moreno, G. (2024). A scale for assessing nursing students’ emotional competence: A validation study. Nurse Education Today, 133, 106046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2023.106046

[15] Kallou, S., Kikilia, A, Kalogiannakis, M. (2022). Emotional Intelligence Development in Tourism Education and Training Through Digital Technologies. In: Guralnick D, Auer M.E., Poce A. (eds) Innovations in Learning and Technology for the Workplace and Higher Education. TLIC 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, 349 Springer Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90677-1_15

[16] Samanta, I., Kallou, S. (2020). The role of emotional intelligence in counterproductive work behavior. European Business & Management 6(2) 20–27. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ebm.20200602.11

[17] Zhang W, Adegbola O (2022). Emotional intelligence and public relations: An empirical review. Public Relations Review 48 3 102199 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2022.102199

[18] Kallou S, Kikilia A, Kalogiannakis M, Zacharis NZ (2023). Emotional intelligence development: implementing transformative learning through digital technologies in tourism – a study protocol. Int. J. Technology Enhanced Learning, 15 (2) 180–194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJTEL.2023.10054332

[19] Lopes PN (2016) Emotional Intelligence in Organizations: Bridging Research and Practice. Emotion Review 8(4) 316–321. doi:10.1177/1754073916650496

[20] Michinov, E., Michinov, N. (2022). When emotional intelligence predicts team performance: Further validation of the short version of the Workgroup Emotional Intelligence Profile. Curr Psychol 41, 1323–1336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00659-7

[21] Harris PR, & Harris KG (1996). Managing effectively through teams. Team Performance Management: An International Journal 2(3) 23-36

[22] Coronado-Maldonado, I., & Benıtez-Marquez, M. (2023). Emotional intelligence, leadership, and work teams: A hybrid literature review. Heliyon, 9(10), e20356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20356

[23] Winardi, M.A., Prentice C., W., S. (2022). Systematic literature review on emotional intelligence and conflict-management. J. Glob. Sch. Mark. Sci., 32 (3) (2022), pp. 372-397

[24] Hayes, P., Bearman, C., Butler, P., & Owen, C. (2021). Non‐technical skills for emergency incident management teams: A literature review. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 29(2), 185-203. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12341

[25] Röttger, S., Vetter, S., & Kowalski, J. T. (2016). Effects of a classroom-based bridge resource management training on knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and performance of junior naval officers. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 15(1), 143-162

[26] Mezirow, J. (2007). Transformative Learning. Ed. G. Koulaouzidis. Metaihmio, Athens

[27] Koulaouzidis, C. A. (2019). A dialogue on adult education. Tips and guidelines for new trainers. Athens: Metahmio

[28] Aubrey, K., Riley, A. (2020). Understanding and Using Challenging Educational Theories. SAGE Publications Ltd, London

[29] Mezirow, J. (2000). Learning to think like an adult: Core concepts of transformation theory. In J. Mezirow & Associates (Eds.) Learning as transformation: Critical perspectives on a theory in progress 3-33 CA: Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

[30] Stoyanova-Bozhkova, S., Paskova, T., & Buhalis, D. (2022). Emotional intelligence: A competitive advantage for tour ism and hospitality managers. Tourism Recreation Research, 47(4), 359–371. 02508281.2020.1841377

[31] Kucukaydin I, Cranton, P (2012) Critically Questioning the Discourse of Transformative Learning Theory. Adult Education Quarterly 63(1) 43–56. 10.1177/0741713612439090

[32] Goleman, D. (1998). What makes a leader? Harvard Business Review 76 93-102

[33] Kallou, S., Kikilia, A., Kalogiannakis, M., & Zacharis, N. Z. (2025). Evaluating an Emotional Intelligence Training Program in Tourism Education. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 1-11.

[34] Ichimura, Y., Dalaklis, D., Kitada, M., Christodoulou, A. (2022). Shipping in the era of digitalization: Mapping the future strategic plans of major maritime commercial actors. Digital Business 2(1) 100022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.digbus.2022.100022