Using an ability-based measure of emotional intelligence to predict individual performance, group performance, and group citizenship behaviours

Abstract

Despite claims that emotional intelligence (EI) predicts performance on work-related tasks and successful interpersonal interactions, little research exists to support these claims. In the present study, the construct and criterion-related validity of an ability-based measure of EI (Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, 2000b) were examined. The four-factor model for the MSCEIT fit the data well. As hypothesized, there were some gender and experience differences in the MSCEIT subscales. The MSCEIT subscales were modestly correlated with personality, unrelated to individual-level citizenship behaviour, and somewhat related to group-level citizenship behaviour. Only the Emotional Perception Scale of the MSCEIT was correlated with performance on a cognitive decision-making task.