Emotional intelligence and job satisfaction

This study aims to investigate the effect of training some aspects of Emotional Intelligence (EI) on job satisfaction and productivity of employees. The results can help organizations to realize human capabilities and the way to improve them by paying more attention to psychological issues. We used a quasi-experimental method using a pre-test and a post-test designed with control group and a four-month follow-up Study population consists of employees of Marine installations and Construction Company. Considering variables like age, education and job rank, we selected 28 employees who earned the lowest score for EI. They were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Each employee got job satisfaction and productivity questionnaires and their managers were given employee evaluation questionnaire. Then some aspects of EI were taught to the experimental group once a week for 10 sessions. Four months later, both groups were evaluated by managers. The results show that education did not increase employees' job satisfaction nor did it improve managers' evaluation. However, employees' productivity score after training sessions and managers' evaluation improved in the long run. The results reveal that training EI b further controlling the above-mentioned variables is effective and essential to improve human resources. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information.