This exploratory study investigated the role of emotional intelligence in shaping the email communication of a five member virtual team involved in the development and support of a proprietary information system. Over 1,200 email messages from a two-month period were coded for communicative goals and communicative form. EI abilities were related to the chosen form of email communication dependent upon the intent of the communicator. Results of this initial study justify further investigation into how EI abilities can be leveraged to improve virtual team dynamics and outcomes
