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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH IN COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJARCMSS) [ Vol. 9 | No. 2 (II) | April - June, 2026 ]

Psychological Capital and Emotional Intelligence as Enablers of SDG 3 and SDG 8: A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Healthcare Workforce

Barkha Bhati & Iram Naaz

Healthcare institutions worldwide face growing challenges such as workforce shortages, burnout, emotional exhaustion, and declining employee well-being, threatening long-term system sustainability. This paper examines the role of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) as enablers of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through a sustainable healthcare workforce. Based on secondary data and existing literature, the study proposes a conceptual framework integrating positive organizational behavior with the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. The framework suggests that PsyCap, through hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, improves employee well-being, reduces burnout, and enhances adaptability. EI, through self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills, strengthens communication, teamwork, engagement, and workplace relationships. Together, these capabilities support workforce retention, organizational resilience, and long-term sustainability. The paper offers theoretical and managerial implications and recommends future empirical testing across diverse healthcare settings.

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