Emotional intelligence and conflict management styles of Filipino middle managers in select higher education institutions

Cornelio C. Garcia,Jestoni D Maniago

doi:10.34256/ajir1815

Abstract

Despite the rich empirical evidence linking emotional intelligence (EI) and conflict management skills (CMS) in the international setting, there is a dearth of parallel literature and studies in the Philippines. This descriptive correlational study analyzed the relationship between EI and CMS of middle managers in select higher education institutions (HEIs) in Central Luzon Philippines. A questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents (N=154). Computation of the frequency distribution, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, variance, correlation, multiple regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test were utilized to give statistical interpretation of the data. The study revealed that there is no significant difference in the EI of the middle managers in select HEIs when grouped according to classification of institution, sex, civil status, highest educational attainment, number of years in the present position/designation, and religious affiliation. Age is an important factor in developing EI (R=0.1619). EI improves with age, increasing from young adolescence and early adulthood. On the other hand, there is a slight significant correlation between EI and the practice of CMS among the middle managers of select HEIs. At 0.05 level of significance, tcomputed (1.743) is greater than the tcritical (1.658), thus EI is related to CMS. Further study was recommended to explore other indicators and parameters for both areas of EI and CMS in higher education and other sectors to come up with appropriate recommendations and theory-based actions to optimize their effect towards the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations.

Highlights

Emotional Intelligence (EI) has recently been treated as one of the most researched areas of concern in management
In a sample of 105 managers in one financial services institution, using self and other ratings of EI competencies, leadership styles and success, the results demonstrate a strong pattern of significant differences between male and female leaders
There is no significant difference in the EI of middle managers in select higher education institutions (HEIs) in Central Luzon Philippines when grouped in terms of the profile variables as to classification of institution, sex, age, civil status, highest educational attainment, number of years in the present position/designation, and religious affiliation

Summary

Introduction

Emotional Intelligence (EI) has recently been treated as one of the most researched areas of concern in management. Feelings, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and action [1]. This emphasis on EI is borne by the assumption that there is a relationship between EI and successful management which Vol 01, Iss. 01. Maniago /2018 began to emerge in management literature in the early 1980s. It was not until the late 1990s that scholars have started to investigate the relationship between EI and conflict management. Some studies have focused on the link between EI and leadership styles in educational institutions and came up with propositions suggesting the integration of EI and conflict management into the curriculum

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion