An exploration of emotional intelligence across career arenas

Abstract

Purpose

This quantitative study seeks to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence scores of leaders in non‐profit health and human service agencies and profit businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Director‐level leaders in the non‐profit (n=32) and profit (n=32) business arenas completed an online emotional intelligence self assessment (Bar‐On EQ‐i). Descriptive statistics were gathered and comparative analyses explored the differences between leaders in the two groups.

Findings

Results revealed significant differences between leaders in non‐profit and profit businesses in overall emotional intelligence, and in the particular competency areas of stress management and adaptability.

Originality/value

This paper identifies a difference in emotional intelligence levels of leaders based on career field.

Citation

Morehouse, M.M. (2007), "An exploration of emotional intelligence across career arenas", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 296-307. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730710752184