The mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between emotional intelligence and organisational commitment among higher education institution lecturers

Abstract

This study investigated whether work engagement mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and organisational commitment among 361 lecturers from higher education institutions. It also examined the relationships between emotional intelligence, organisational commitment and work engagement. Measures used in this study includes Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT), Organisational Commitment Scale (OCS) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17). The data analysed through the partial least squares (PLS-SEM) approach showed positive relationships between emotional intelligence, work engagement and organisational commitment. Besides, the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between emotional intelligence and organisational commitment was also established. Specifically, emotionally intelligent lecturers reported a higher level of commitment to their education institution due to higher engagement to their work. Thus, this study recommends that higher education institutions to place greater focus on the growth of emotional intelligence abilities among lecturers to promote engagement and commitment through strategies such as training programs.