Abstract:
The theory of emotional intelligence (EI) suggests that individuals who possess high level of emotional intelligence are likely to show higher level of performance which indirectly increases employees and organizational effectiveness. However, the empirical research in this area is scant and researches acknowledge the need to further establish the connections of emotional intelligence with work related variables and Political skills.
The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent emotional intelligence affects the job satisfaction, job performance and organizational citizenship behavior. It is also explored through the study that what is relationship between emotional intelligence and political skills and does political skill mediate the relationship of EI and other job related variables. The study attempts to establish causal relationship among variables.
Basically, the study has followed quantitative approach. The sample size consists of 250 middle level employees form Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Survey method is used for data collection. To test the relationship of variables Correlation and Regression models are applied. To test the mediation, Baron & Kenny method and Sobel test is applied.
The results of the study depict that emotional intelligence positively and significantly affect job satisfaction, job performance, organizational citizenship behavior and political skills. The results also indicate that political skill partially and significantly mediated the relationship of EI with job satisfaction, performance and OCB.
The study explores the causal relationship of emotional intelligence with work related variables thus stressing upon the important role of EI in the Pakistani organizations context. The present study adds to literature by clarifying the relationship between EI and political skills in the work arena. The mediation affects of political skill on work outcomes and behaviors will help to explore new avenues for research in the area of political skills.
