A meta-analysis of emotional intelligence and work attitudes

Our meta-analysis of emotional intelligence (EI) demonstrates that: First, all three types of EI are significantly related to job satisfaction (ability EI: (rho)over cap = .08; self-report EI: (rho)over cap = .32; and mixed EI: (rho)over cap = .39). Second, both self-report EI and mixed EI exhibit modest yet statistically significant incremental validity (Delta R-2 = .03 for self-report EI and Delta R-2 = .06 for mixed EI) and large relative importance (31.3% for self-report EI and 42.8% for mixed EI) in the presence of cognitive ability and personality when predicting job satisfaction. Third, we found mixed support for the moderator effects (i.e., emotional labour demand of jobs) for the relationship between EI and job satisfaction. Fourth, the relationships between all three types of EI and job satisfaction are mediated by state affect and job performance. Fifth, EI significantly relates to organizational commitment (self-report EI: (rho)over cap = .43; mixed EI: (rho)over cap = .43) and turnover intentions (self-report EI: (rho)over cap = -.33). Sixth, after controls, both self-report EI and mixed EI demonstrate incremental validity and relative importance (46.9% for self-report EI; 44.2% for mixed EI) in predicting organizational commitment. Seventh, self-report EI demonstrates incremental validity and relative importance (60.9%) in predicting turnover intentions.