An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction

The current study aims to provide a greater understanding into the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. The study examined the differences reported between males and females on outcomes of emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. The study also examined the moderating effect of gender on emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. Participants were recruited via social media using convenience sampling combined with snowball sampling technique (N = 222). The survey administered the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Short Form. and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form. The results of this study indicate higher levels of emotional intelligence are associated with higher levels of job satisfaction. There was no significant difference in the job satisfaction levels of males and females. There was a significant difference in the emotional intelligence levels of males and females, with females reporting higher levels of emotional intelligence compared to males. Findings indicated that gender moderated the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. While males had lower emotional intelligence, their emotional intelligence was more strongly correlated with job satisfaction than females, who had greater emotional intelligence. The current study expands on previous research while contributing to the literature on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. Efforts should be made by companies to encourage and incorporate emotional intelligence in the workplace in order to enhance employees job satisfaction