Artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence in the workplace and the consequences for leadership and organizational culture

This study examines how the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI) is reshaping leadership practice and organisational culture, identifying both the opportunities and risks that arise from their convergence.  Using a structured literature review guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, 49 peer reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 were systematically analysed to synthesise theoretical and empirical insights on AI EI interactions in workplace settings.  The review highlights that AI can enhance decision-making, enable data driven empathy, and support employee well being, while EI is essential for ethical stewardship, trust-building, and mitigating risks such as algorithmic bias and automation over reliance. The findings further show that emotionally intelligent leadership is a critical mediating factor influencing whether AI fosters psychological safety, innovation, and humane organisational cultures or contributes to surveillance and cultural homogenisation.  AI and EI function as complementary capabilities whose responsible integration requires human centred, ethically grounded leadership.  The study proposes a framework to guide organisations in adopting AI in ways that augment, rather than replace, emotionally intelligent leadership, offering actionable guidance for decision-making, governance, and employee development.