Individual cognitions as antecedents of emotional competence and job satisfaction

Abstract

A model linking cognitions to emotional competence is presented and tested. The model is based on the four domains of Emotional Intelligence (Goleman, 2002) and on the theoretical framework of Rational-Emotive-Behavior Therapy (Ellis, 1962, 1994). In this respect, we expect irrational beliefs to be negatively associated with both emotional competence and job satisfaction. Furthermore, we expect emotional competence to be positively associated with job satisfaction. Additionally, it is proposed that irrational beliefs mediate emotional competence’s influence on job satisfaction. We test our hypotheses using data from two different studies. Study 1 collected data from 113 respondents that answered an experimental questionnaire study using organizational scenarios. Study 2 collected data through a questionnaire using the Emotional Competence Inventory (ECI 2.0) as direct measure of emotional intelligence and competencies and an irrationality scale (Forsterling & Buhner, 2003) as a measure for irrational beliefs. Findings from these 2 studies suggest that irrational beliefs are negatively related to both emotional competence and job satisfaction and that emotional competence is positively related to job satisfaction. Our results confirm the central assumptions of Ellis’ appraisal theory and support our basic hypothesis of a correspondence between cognitions and emotional competence. Implications for future research are discussed.