Emotional Intelligence and Communication in Digital Adult Education amid the Fifth Industrial Revolution

This research study examines Emotional Intelligence (EI) as a catalyst for effectivecommunication in adult education within the framework of the Fifth IndustrialRevolution (5IR). The aim is to explore parameters related to the measurement ofEI, effective communication, Digital Emotional Intelligence (DEI), and adult educators’adaptability to the challenges posed by the 5IR. The study involved adulteducators from across Greece. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporatingquantitative data from 195 educators using the pilot research instrumentEICAEQ-5IR-CTO and qualitative data from 19 semi-structured interviews. Quantitativeanalysis revealed a strong correlation between EI and communication (r =0.861), along with limited familiarity with the emotional dimension of technology.Qualitative findings highlighted the absence of institutionalized training and theneed to develop empathy and cultural sensitivity, particularly in digital and hybridlearning environments. In conclusion, the integration of EI into educator trainingis proposed as a critical factor for professional success in the emerging industrialera.