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Emotional Intelligence: An Empirical Test Among Malaysians

Year 2011, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 63 - 74, 01.06.2011

Abstract

The significance of emotional intelligence (EQ) has been well mentioned and research in the organizational behavior literature. EQ has often been linked to effective leadership. Leaders possessing high degrees of emotional convictions are presumed to demonstrate high levels of self-confidence and the necessary skills to effectively manage interpersonal relationships. These and other qualities which constitute a leader's EQ would be very important if one were to gain respect and trust among followers or subordinates. Essentially, they are essential prerequisites in ensuring successful efforts to enhance individuals' motivation. A survey was conducted to assess the levels of EQ among Malaysians. The instrument used was the established Weisinger (1998) Emotional Intelligence Inventory. The survey managed to obtain responses from a sample of 354 individuals. Based on the data analyzed, average Malaysians were found to demonstrate a fairly high ability in the areas of providing advice and support to others, making others feel good, and knowing what senses he/she is currently practicing. However, Malaysians on average seemed to have low ability in staying calm when targeted by anger of others, associating physical cues with motion, and producing high energy when doing uninteresting work. On another note, although they could be said to be better able at social skills and self awareness, they are apparently less able in terms of self management and self motivation. These findings have implications for theory as well as managerial practice. Suggestions for future research are further discussed.

References

  • Alban-Metcalfe, R J., & Alimo-Metcalfe, B (2000) The ransformational Leadership Questionnaire (TLQ-GLV): A Convergent And Discriminant Validation Study. Leadership & Organization Development Journal; Bradford
  • Bass, B.M (1985). Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. The Free Press, New York, NY
  • Bass, B.M (1990) Bass and Stogdill’s Handbook of Leadership; Research, and Managerial Applications. 3rd. ed. The Free Press, New York. NY
  • Bass, B.M (1998). Current Developments in Transformational Leadership: Research and Applications. Invited Address to the American Psychological Association. San Francisco. CA. August
  • Bass, B.M and Avolio, B.J (1990a) Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Consulting Psychologists Press. Palo Alto. CA
  • Bass, B.M and Avolio, B.J (1990b) Transformational Leadership Development: Manual for the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Consulting Psychologists Press. Palo Alto.CA
  • Daft, R.L (1999) Leadership Theory and Practice. The Dryden Press
  • Damhoeri, K., Mashori, F., and Muhamad, J (1994) The Myth of the Incompetent Malay CEOs. Jurnal Pengurusan
  • Damhoeri, K. (1999) Leadership in Times of an Economic Crisis: A Study of Leadership Styles Among Malay Entrepreneurs. Proceedings of UNITEN Business Management Conference
  • Goleman, D (1995) Emotional Intelligence Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
  • Kalat, J.W (1999). Introduction to Psychology 5h. ed. Wadsworth Publishing Company. California
  • Lichtheim, M (1973) Ancient Egyptian Literature. Vol. 1L The Old and Middle Kingdoms. Los Angeles: University of California Press
  • Lefcourt, H.M (1976) Integrating Leadership and Strategic Management in Organizational Theory. Tevue Canadienne des Dciences de I’Administration
  • Rotter, J.B. (1966) Generalized Expectancies for Internal Versus External Control of Reinforcement. Psychological Monographs. 80 (Whole No. 603)
  • Yukl, G (1994) Leadership in Organizations 3rd . ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice- Hall, Inc.
  • Rost, J.C (1993) Leadership for the Twenty First Century. New York: Praeger Publishers.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: AN EMPIRICAL TEST AMONG MALAYSIANS

Year 2011, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 63 - 74, 01.06.2011

Abstract

 The significance of emotional intelligence (EQ) has been well mentioned and research in the
organizational behavior literature. EQ has often been linked to effective leadership. Leaders possessing high
degrees of emotional convictions are presumed to demonstrate high levels of self-confidence and the necessary
skills to effectively manage interpersonal relationships. These and other qualities which constitute a leader’s EQ
would be very important if one were to gain respect and trust among followers or subordinates. Essentially, they
are essential prerequisites in ensuring successful efforts to enhance individuals’ motivation. A survey was
conducted to assess the levels of EQ among Malaysians. The instrument used was the established Weisinger
(1998) Emotional Intelligence Inventory. The survey managed to obtain responses from a sample of 354
individuals. Based on the data analyzed, average Malaysians were found to demonstrate a fairly high ability in
the areas of providing advice and support to others, making others feel good, and knowing what senses he/she is
currently practicing. However, Malaysians on average seemed to have low ability in staying calm when targeted
by anger of others, associating physical cues with motion, and producing high energy when doing uninteresting
work. On another note, although they could be said to be better able at social skills and self awareness, they are
apparently less able in terms of self management and self motivation. These findings have implications for
theory as well as managerial practice. Suggestions for future research are further discussed. 

References

  • Alban-Metcalfe, R J., & Alimo-Metcalfe, B (2000) The ransformational Leadership Questionnaire (TLQ-GLV): A Convergent And Discriminant Validation Study. Leadership & Organization Development Journal; Bradford
  • Bass, B.M (1985). Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. The Free Press, New York, NY
  • Bass, B.M (1990) Bass and Stogdill’s Handbook of Leadership; Research, and Managerial Applications. 3rd. ed. The Free Press, New York. NY
  • Bass, B.M (1998). Current Developments in Transformational Leadership: Research and Applications. Invited Address to the American Psychological Association. San Francisco. CA. August
  • Bass, B.M and Avolio, B.J (1990a) Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Consulting Psychologists Press. Palo Alto. CA
  • Bass, B.M and Avolio, B.J (1990b) Transformational Leadership Development: Manual for the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Consulting Psychologists Press. Palo Alto.CA
  • Daft, R.L (1999) Leadership Theory and Practice. The Dryden Press
  • Damhoeri, K., Mashori, F., and Muhamad, J (1994) The Myth of the Incompetent Malay CEOs. Jurnal Pengurusan
  • Damhoeri, K. (1999) Leadership in Times of an Economic Crisis: A Study of Leadership Styles Among Malay Entrepreneurs. Proceedings of UNITEN Business Management Conference
  • Goleman, D (1995) Emotional Intelligence Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
  • Kalat, J.W (1999). Introduction to Psychology 5h. ed. Wadsworth Publishing Company. California
  • Lichtheim, M (1973) Ancient Egyptian Literature. Vol. 1L The Old and Middle Kingdoms. Los Angeles: University of California Press
  • Lefcourt, H.M (1976) Integrating Leadership and Strategic Management in Organizational Theory. Tevue Canadienne des Dciences de I’Administration
  • Rotter, J.B. (1966) Generalized Expectancies for Internal Versus External Control of Reinforcement. Psychological Monographs. 80 (Whole No. 603)
  • Yukl, G (1994) Leadership in Organizations 3rd . ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice- Hall, Inc.
  • Rost, J.C (1993) Leadership for the Twenty First Century. New York: Praeger Publishers.
There are 16 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Nik Mutasim Nik A.rahman This is me

J. Muhamad This is me

D. Khaıruddın This is me

Publication Date June 1, 2011
Published in Issue Year 2011 Volume: 6 Issue: 1

Cite

APA A.rahman, N. M. N., Muhamad, J., & Khaıruddın, D. (2011). Emotional Intelligence: An Empirical Test Among Malaysians. Bilgi Ekonomisi Ve Yönetimi Dergisi, 6(1), 63-74.