Emotional intelligence as a determinant of job satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Emotional intelligence is often described as a job satisfaction predictor. Teamwork is an essential component of work performance, as well as good stress regulation, which promotes better job efficacy. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of emotional intelligence skills on job satisfaction. Methods: The data were collected by completing a survey which consisted of three questionnaires: a demographic questionnaire, an emotional skills and competence questionnaire (ESCQ-15) and a job satisfaction questionnaire. Participants were categorized according to the results of ESCQ-15 into three categories: low, average and high. Likewise, they were categorized by job satisfaction into three categories: dissatisfied, satisfied to some degree and satisfied. Main findings: This study did not provide evidence of a significant interrelation between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction (p=0.888). Moreover, the research did not show statistically significant differences in any of the job satisfaction questionnaire variables. In terms of job satisfaction, this research shows that men are more satisfied with job advancement than women (p=0.006). In addition, those with a university degree are less satisfied with managers than people with a lower level of education (p=0.035). The study did not provide statistically significant differences in job satisfaction by age group. According to the results of this study, women have higher levels of emotional intelligence than men (p=0.024). Middle-aged people are more emotionally intelligent than younger and older people (p=0.015). The study did not provide statistically significant differences in emotional intelligence by educational group. Principal conclusions: Job satisfaction is not related to the level of emotional intelligence. Although emotional intelligence skills cannot be ignored in this segment of life, sociodemographic roles like gender and level of education play a significant role in job satisfaction.