The aim of this study is to examine the mediating effects of counterproductive work behavior and work engagement on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance. Data were collected from employees working in a five-star hotel in Muğla, Türkiye. This quantitative study gathered data through questionnaires comprising validated scales related to the study constructs. Responses from 405 hotel employees were used to test the research hypotheses through regression and parallel mediation analyses. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, regression analysis, and parallel mediation analysis were conducted using AMOS and the SPSS PROCESS Macro. The findings reveal positive relationships between emotional intelligence and both work engagement and job performance, while negative relationships were identified between counterproductive work behavior and emotional intelligence, as well as job performance. Work engagement exhibited a partial mediating effect on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance, whereas counterproductive work behavior did not demonstrate a mediating effect. This study contributes to the fields of hospitality management, human resource development, and organizational behavior by providing empirical evidence on the multidimensional relationships among emotional intelligence, counterproductive work behavior, work engagement, and job performance. Based on the findings, theoretical and practical implications for managers and professionals are discussed.