Does emotional intelligence moderate the relationship between mental health and job performance? An exploratory study

Abstract

Hitherto, scholars have examined the direct effects of emotional intelligence on health-related outcomes or performance. Yet, attempts to explore any interactive effects of emotional intelligence on these variables are conspicuous by their absence. Using a multi-source design (i.e., team members and supervisors, n = 57, total N = 137) and instruments with different scoring protocols (i.e., ability and self-reported data), findings from a UK public sector questionnaire survey suggest that emotional intelligence only partly moderates the relationship between mental health and some – but not all – aspects of job performance. Implications for management theory and practice are discussed.