The Relationship Among Emotional Intelligence, Task Performance, and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors

Theory suggests that individuals who are high in emotional intelligence are likely to exhibit a higher level of performance outcomes. However, research acknowledges the need to further establish the connection between emotional intelligence and work outcomes. We address this call by empirically examining the relationship between emotional intelligence and two aspects of work outcomes (task performance and two forms of organizational citizenship behaviors, altruism and compliance). Emotional intelligence was assessed by Schutte et al.'s (1998) self-report measure of emotional intelligence, whereas work outcomes were assessed by the employees' supervisors. The findings show positive relationships between emotional intelligence and employees' work outcomes.