Relationship between emotional intelligence, congruence, and intrinsic job satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to explore the association between emotional intelligence, person-environment congruence and intrinsic job satisfaction in two professional groups, the first focusing on interpersonal relationships and the second, on data, things, and ideas.

Originality/value:

The study presents the association between congruence, emotional intelligence and intrinsic satisfaction at work and tests the model in which congruence moderates the association between emotional intelligence and intrinsic satisfaction in two professional groups.

Design/methodology/approach:

Survey-type study in which 486 workers participated in two groups of professionals using the realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional (RIASEC) model. Participants responded to questionnaires of professional interest and occupational environments necessary to measure congruence, and, then, emotional intelligence and intrinsic satisfaction.

Findings:

Positive associations were identified between emotional intelligence, person-environment congruence, and intrinsic job satisfaction, with higher associations in the group with high interpersonal demands, highlighting the relevance of emotional skills in this professional segment. However, it was found that the congruence does not moderate the association between emotional intelligence and intrinsic satisfaction in either group, emphasizing that the person-environment fit and emotional skills can contribute independently to explain worker satisfaction with the activities developed in the organization.

Keywords:
person-environment congruence; emotional intelligence; intrinsic job satisfaction; personality; emotional skills