Emotional intelligence and workaholism

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence concerns to a subject's competence in intelligent adaptive behaviour. It comprises the subjects’ capability to resort to complex information processing systems about their and others’ emotions, extended to the aptitude to use this data to monitor individuals’ reasoning and behaviour. Objective The question that arises in this research concerns to the relationship between emotional intelligence and Workaholism. Workaholism refers to spending large time working and the negative implications for workaholics’ social and family lives. It affects almost 1/4 of the worker population. Method A quantitative survey was made with a sample of individuals of both genders and different age groups that are currently employed in Portugal. Participants answered to a Workaholism Battery and an Emotional Intelligence Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were calculated, sustaining measurements’ validity and reliability. Cluster analysis was performed with the WorkBAT’s dimensions (Pleasure, Impulse, and Involvement) in order to found worker profiles. Results The cluster analysis suggest the existence of eight worker profiles - Work enthusiasts, Enthusiastic addicts, Work addicts, Disenchanted workers, Relaxed workers, Reluctant hard workers, Unengaged workers, Alienated professionals -, significantly affecting Emotional intelligence, F(7,287) = 4.75, p < .001, partial eta squared = .104. Workers inside the Work enthusiasts profile showed significant more Emotional Intelligence, followed by the Enthusiastic addicts and contrasting with the Unengaged workers, Disenchanted workers, and Relaxed workers, who received the lowest scores. Conclusions The most adaptive worker profiles are significantly related to higher levels of emotional intelligence. Understanding of own emotions, self-control against criticism, self-encouragement (use of emotions), emotional self-control (emotional regulation), empathy and emotional contagion, and understanding the others emotions are dimensions of Emotional intelligence that promote healthy workers’ profiles. Keywords Emotional , workaholism,