Assessing the Relationships between the Components of Emotional Intelligence and Job Performance: An Empirical Study

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the relationships between the components of emotional intelligence (such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills) and job performance perceived by the respondents. Emotional intelligence was measured by the Emotional Quotient Index while job performance was assessed by Tsui et al.’s Job Performance Scale. Data for this study were collected from 201 working MBA students studying at four private universities in Chittagong, a port city of Bangladesh, who were asked to rate their supervisors’ emotional intelligence and job performance with the help of printed survey instruments. In data collection, this study used convenience sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, and regression analysis. Results indicated a positive correlation between the components of emotional intelligence and job performance. An important implication of the study is that supervisors should acquire and use their emotional intelligence competencies to improve their own as well as others’ job performance. The most important limitation was in using convenience samples which might limit the generalizability of the results. Future research directions are also discussed.