Emotional intelligence as an ability and its relationship with openness to difference

Due to the plethora of emotionally charged issues within today's workplace, it is not surprising that the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) has been embraced on such a widespread basis. The 2 research hypotheses of this study posited a correlation between EI and openness to difference, as indicated by self-perceived flexibility to difference and self-reported receptiveness to difference (RTD). The Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) was used to assess EI as defined as an ability. The Flexibility/Openness Scale of the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory was used to assess self-perceived flexibility to difference; the RTD Scale is used to assess self-reported RTD. Ninety undergraduate university students---70% female and 30% male---participated in the current study. The sample was 80% Caucasian with an average age of 20 years and working toward varied academic majors. The hypotheses were confirmed and an association was found between EI and openness to difference. The total score of the MSCEIT correlated positively and significantly with the scores on the Flexibility/Openness Scale of the CCAI (r = .39, p < .01), as well as with the scores on the RTD Scale ( r = .37, p < .01). Additionally, scores from the two indices measuring the construct of openness to difference were found to be positively correlated. The Flexibility/Openness Scale of the CCAI correlated with the scores from the RTD Scale (r = .51, p = .01). Recent world events have spurred dramatic changes within the realm of education, the workplace, and communities across the nation. Now, more than ever, Americans are realizing the need to cultivate strong compassion for those deemed as different. This research highlights the potentially critical component of emotions in the degree of comfort all people exhibit in daily encounters with those they view as different from themselves.