ABSTRACT Background Over the years, scholars have conceived and operationalized social intelligence in several ways that were mostly inclined toward social compliance. The current research emphasized the role of subjectivity, self-efficacy, and personal autonomy in social intelligence in addition to the traditional aspects of social intelligence such as knowledge about social norms and maintaining healthy social relationships. The objective of the current research was to develop and validate a new scale on social intelligence, focusing more on self-efficacy and personal autonomy. The scale was labeled as Efficient Social Intelligence Scale—ESIS. Methods The ESIS was developed and validated in a series of four phases by involving 744 conveniently selected participants (Mage = 23 years, SD = 6.18; women = 55.5%). The ESIS was evaluated through rigorous statistical procedures involving internal consistency, exploratory & confirmatory factor analyses, and convergent & discriminant validity. Results The ESIS was found to be a highly reliable and valid instrument having nine items and four sub-scales. Indicators such as Cronbach’s alpha (0.830), average item-total correlation (r = 0.614; p < .001), average item-scale correlation (r = 0.913; p < .001), comparative fit index (0.990), Tucker-Lewis index (0.983), root mean square error of approximation (0.045), standardized root mean square residual (0.027), convergent validity with TROMSO social intelligence scale (r = 0.562; p < .001), and discriminant validity with psychosocial illness (r = -0.200; p < .001) established the reliability and validity of the PS. Additionally, men reported significantly higher levels of social intelligence as compared to women (Men = 82.82%; Women = 81.19%; p < .05; Cohen’s d = 0.184). Conclusion The ESIS redefines social intelligence to emphasize personal autonomy and subjective fulfillment within social interactions.
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