Abstract:
Background: Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Job Satisfaction (JS) are two critical elements in
the Nursing profession. Therefore, proper identification of these characteristics is important to
upgrade the nursing service.
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between EI and JS among nursing officers in General
Hospital, Kalutara
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 205 nursing
officers working in General Hospital, Kalutara selected with systematic random sampling.
Demographic data were assessed using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. The
levels of EI and JS were evaluated using cross-culturally adapted, pre-tested, 33-item Schutte
Emotional Intelligence Test and 37-item ESET Job Satisfaction questionnaire, respectively.
The pre-test was conducted in the University Hospital, Kotelawala Defense University.
Pearson correlation and Chi-square test were used to evaluate the relationships among
variables.
Results: A weak positive correlation was found between the EI and JS (r = 0.24; p <0.01).
Three of the four dimensions in Schutte EI scale were ‘good’ while one dimension was
‘moderate’. Two dimensions have scored as ‘satisfied’ while four dimensions have scored as
‘moderately satisfied’ out of the six dimensions in the ESET scale. There was a significant
correlation between EI and monthly income (r = 0.152; p = 0.043). Demographic variables
such as age, working experience and total duty shifts had no association with EI and JS (p
>0.05). However, there was a strong correlation between the dimension “organizational
resources” and the dimension “leadership” (r = 0.72; p <0.001). Further, an association was
found between one of the EI dimension “utilizing of emotions” with working experience (p =
0.01).
Conclusions: A weak positive correlation was found between the EI and JS among the nursing
officers in General Hospital, Kalutara. Enhancement of JS through continuous evaluation and
implementation of EI developing programmes in the hospital are recommended.
