Analysis of the level of Emotional Intelligence among Executives in the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Susan Chin,David Tong,R N Anantharaman

doi:10.5171/2011.302272

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the level of emotional intelligence among executives in small and medium sized enterprises particularly from the manufacturing sector. SMEs have problems in attracting and retaining their employees. For the purpose of the study, the GENOS Emotional Intelligence questionnaire developed by Palmer and Stough (2001) has been used. A total of 96 employees from different manufacturing sectors took part in the survey. It was found that emotional intelligence did not have a significant relationship with organizational citizenship behaviour. Results from the study show that employees in the SMEs do experience some kind of experiences that affect their working attitudes. The initial study provides many insights especially to the areas where respondents show a low level of emotional intelligence. The low level of emotional intelligence is related to the nature of work involved especially when it involves a high level of stress.

Highlights

The importance and contributions of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) or organizations to the country cannot be dismissed
The low level of emotional intelligence is related to the nature of work involved especially when it involves a high level of stress
Results from the initial study provide many insights especially to the areas where respondents showed a low level of emotional intelligence

Summary

Introduction

The importance and contributions of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) or organizations to the country cannot be dismissed. The manufacturing sector will remain as the vital engine to spur growth for the Malaysian economy, and SMEs are a major contributor to it. The challenges that SMEs face are focused towards the people. They have problems in attracting and retaining talented employees. They need to enhance the competencies and the innovativeness of the workforce so that they will be able to compete in the global market. This problem is not prevalent in Japan where the concept of “lifetime employment” is deeply rooted [DeloitteKassimChan 2009]

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion