Emotional intelligence: An investigation on the effect of implementing emotional intelligence competencies into management training of a metropolitan government agency

Does emotional intelligence training impact managers' awareness level of emotional intelligence? Is it possible that the managers' direct reports can perceive a change in their manager's level of emotional awareness? This study sought to address these questions by examining the relationship between emotional intelligence awareness and training among middle-level management in a metropolitan government based in the southeastern region of the United States. A mixed methodology was used employing surveys and interviews. A pre-training and post-training survey collected demographic data as well as responses to ranking statements using a Likert-type scale. The pre- and post-survey scores were collected and compared to evaluate any changes. The mean comparison of the surveys showed a statistically significant difference in the scores, indicating a potentially strong relationship between training and awareness. The t test provided the statistical analysis with p < .05. A follow-up survey using the same format issued to the managers' direct reports indicated in many cases a significant difference in employee perspective of their manager's level of awareness as it related to their job and the work environment. A chi-square analysis was conducted, and the results indicated a correlation between the managers' and employees' scores. The interviews conducted with employees revealed what aspects they valued and resulted in 3 distinct themes. The study findings suggest that offering emotional intelligence training could increase the emotional awareness of managers and also increase their use of emotional intelligence in the work environment. Further study is needed to demonstrate the applicability of this training at all levels of management. It is noteworthy that a focus on this training could result in increased emotional awareness and the use of management techniques that consider the emotional aspect of employees.