Impact of emotional intelligence on employee’s job performance and job satisfaction in the aged care industry

Abstract

The purpose of this was to explore emotional intelligence, as defined by Mayer & Salovey (1997, p.3), being “the ability to perceive one's own and others' emotions, ability to understand, manage and use of emotions”, impacts on employee job performance and job satisfaction in the aged care industry. Mixed methods research was adopted to explore the impact of EI on employee job performance and job satisfaction. The convenience (non-probability) sampling method was used to conduct the survey and collect the data from participants. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire including demographic profiles, the Wong & Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (Wong & Law, 2002), self-evaluate job performance, and job satisfaction scale. Regression and descriptive statistics data analysis techniques were employed to analyse quantitative data. Thematic data analysis was used to identify the themes from the interview data. This mixed methods research investigated relationship between EI, job performance, and job satisfaction. It found that employees’ EI impacts their job performance and job satisfaction. It also revealed that relationship between the leaders’ EI and the employees’ job performance and job satisfaction. The findings of this research demonstrate how a leader and an employee's emotional intelligence impact an employee's job performance and job satisfaction in the aged care industry. The recommendation would be for future research regarding the training in emotional intelligence, as well as investigating the factors which can improve emotional intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence: Concept, Theoretical Perspectives and Its Relevance on Job Performance

“…The initial component focuses on emotion recognition, underscoring the significance of precisely perceiving and comprehending both one's own emotions and those of others (Ackley, 2016;Chaidi et al, 2023;Dhani & Sharma, 2016;Hoai & Duong, 2023). This foundational skill serves as the basis for the subsequent components, establishing the groundwork for an understanding of the emotional landscape.…”

“…Qualities such as resilience, determination, and foresight play crucial roles in shaping our outcomes. As the landscape of success evolves, attention is increasingly directed toward emotional intelligence, often quantified as an Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) (Hoai & Duong, 2023). This form of intelligence holds heightened relevance in key work-related aspects, including individual performance, organisational productivity, and personnel development.…”

“…By recognising and responding to the emotional states of others, individuals can create an environment conducive to open and authentic communication. In doing so, emotional intelligence becomes a catalyst for building trust and understanding among individuals, fostering a deeper level of connection (Hoai & Duong, 2023).…”