Searching for Emotional Intelligence Measurement in Indonesia Context with Innovative Approach

Abstract

Abstract Emotional Intelligence is widely accepted as one of the dominant factors contributing to superior educational and professional performance. Previous research has determined the contribution of Emotional Intelligence and some factors that influence Emotional Intelligence. Researchers have introduced measurement tools for Emotional Intelligence. Those that have been accepted internationally; Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Scale (MSCEIT) of Mayer, Caruso, and Salovey (2000); Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) of Bar-on (2002) ; and Emotional and Social Competence Inventory (ESCI-360) of Goleman, Boyatzis and HayGroup (1999). These models are generally accepted but constructed for Western empirical setting and written in the English language. Moon (2011) suggest that EI cannot be fully or meaningfully understood without consideration of people's cultural values and beliefs due to the existence of cross-cultural differences in EI. Instead of adopting a standard for Emotional Intelligence according to a western approach, it is important to develop an innovative Emotional Intelligence measurement tool according to the context of Indonesia because Indonesia is a multi-cultural country in South East Asia with too strong different characteristic when compared with Western nations. Wang (2009) argues that Eastern and Western cultures have numerous differences because Eastern and Western people live in different environment and are educated in distinctively different way. As a result, the characteristics of each culture are shown in its people behaviour, their attitude toward life and love, and their personalities (Wang, 2009). This research is done by innovatively analyse the current research on Emotional Intelligence in Indonesia and further research recommendation on innovative Emotional Intelligence measurement for Indonesia context. The purpose of this paper is to learn about and to compile some research on Emotional Intelligence specific to Indonesia's context and its impact on determining success . The various research components such as literature review, exploratory research and descriptive research have been implemented. Self Assessment Questionnaires were designed for Indonesian Business School graduates (undergraduates and master program), leaders of multi-sector s companies, and government employees. At the end, structured equation modelling was utilized to create a path model. The findings indicate that in Indonesia, Emotional Intelligence and Competencies have an important role in determining success and influencing performance. At last, the findings will be a powerful insight to develop innovative Emotional Intelligence measurement tools in Indonesian version.