Emotional intelligence and management development implications: insights from the Lebanese context

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory study of EI in the Lebanese context, investigating empirically variations in EI competency scores (self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, social awareness and social skills) in a sample of 225 Lebanese employees/managers. The study provides preliminary feedback on the possibility of detection of systematic variations in EI levels across demographic variables in the workplace and highlights relevant implications accordingly. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire-based measure was developed to capture the basic competencies on a self-report basis. Findings – The findings suggest differences in EI scores across different EI competencies for males and females, with males scoring higher on self-regulation and self-motivation, and females scoring higher on self-awareness, empathy and social skills, and that EI levels increase significantly with managerial position. Originality/value – The value added of this research is to revisit the salience of EI in the workplace and to highlight relevant implications. The research supports the business case for integrating EI valuation into traditional organizational functions (e.g. selection, promotion, and training).