Emotional intelligence and job satisfaction: the role of organizational learning capability

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and job satisfaction, by taking into consideration organizational learning capability (OLC). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from eight Spanish ceramic tile manufacturers. The survey was addressed to shop floor workers, and 157 valid questionnaires were obtained, representing a response rate of 61 per cent. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test this theoretical model. Findings This paper proposes that OLC plays a significant role in determining the effects of EI on job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications Owing to certain features of the sample and the use of measurement scales, the final results should be considered with caution. Further research in other contexts using qualitative methods is needed to validate these findings. The most important implication is that job satisfaction is affected by the correlation between individual EI and certain working conditions. Practical implications When seeking to improve employee job satisfaction, practitioners should take into account the link between EI and OLC. Under certain conditions (OLC), emotionally intelligent people are more likely to be satisfied. Originality/value This paper provides an empirical analysis of the relationship between EI, OLC and job satisfaction.