EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND WORK PERFORMANCE AMONG OFFICE EMPLOYEES: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a critical factor influencing workplace effectiveness, yet research on general office employees in Pakistan remains limited.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between EI and work performance among office employees and explored gender differences in both variables.

Method: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with 150 office employees (85 males, 56.7%; 65 females, 43.3%) recruited from private and public organizations in Multan, Vehari, and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Participants completed the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and independent sample t-tests.

Results: A significant positive correlation was found between EI and work performance (r = 0.58, p < .01), indicating that employees with higher EI demonstrated better performance. No significant gender differences emerged for EI (p = 0.141) or work performance (p = 0.405), with small effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.08 and 0.15).

Conclusion: Emotional intelligence is positively associated with workplace performance. Gender does not meaningfully influence these variables. Organizations may benefit from implementing EI training programs to enhance employee productivity and well-being.