Exploring the Influence of Emotional Intelligence on the Academic Performance of MBA Students

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) has seen a rapid growth in the past decade and affects every aspect of human life. Academic performance is a key indicator of a students’ progress in higher education. This study is rooted in Bar-On et al.’s (2006) model of EI. The research aims to study the relationship between EI and academic performance of MBA students. Review of Literature has been done from 2010 to 2020, which spans across a decade. A total of 25 research articles were reviewed to identify the research gap. A conceptual model was framed and a research objective was identified. Hypotheses were formulated, in line with the objective of this study. This empirical study is based on a sample drawn from 960 MBA students across Karnataka using stratified sampling. Warrier’s EI Scale (a = 0.887) has been adapted, developed, and utilized for gathering the EI responses from the participants. Pearson’s correlation analysis reports that there is a direct relationship between academic performance and EI (r = 0.520). The study implicates that EI has a significant influence on academic performance. The findings are relevant to students, teachers, professors, educators, consultants, and parents who need to understand the role of EI in academics. It is recommended that the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) introduce EI as a subject for high school students, to enhance their academic performance as well as the quality of life. EI is effective and imperative for success in any job. Students deal with the emotions of faculty, non-teaching staff, peers, and family, therefore they need emotional management skills, to handle situations, that make for a healthier, productive, and rewarding life.