HAIFA, Israel, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Employees with high emotional intelligence will be more and more valued, an Israeli researcher predicts.
Study leader Dr. Galit Meisler of the University of Haifa says employees with a high level of emotional intelligence are more dedicated and satisfied at work than other employees.
Emotional intelligence refers to a person's ability to "read," understand and deal with emotions -- his or her own and those of others.
Meisler says the study indicates employees with a high level of emotional intelligence were more satisfied with their jobs and were more committed to their organizations. They also had fewer undesirable work attitudes -- such as burnout, intention to leave and negligent behavior.
"This study has shown that employees with a higher level of emotional intelligence are assets to their organization," Meisler says in a statement. "I believe it will not be long before emotional intelligence is incorporated in employee screening and training processes and in employee assessment and promotion decisions."
Meisler, under the supervision of Professor Eran Vigoda-Gadot, surveyed 809 employees and managers in two public sector organizations and two private companies. The study won the Outstanding Doctorate Award from the Israeli Political Science Association.
