The Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Employee Job Performance: A Case of Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an essential aspect of workplace behavior that has received increasing attention in recent years. The Sri Lankan apparel industry is a vital contributor to the country's economy. Employees in this sector face various challenges that require effective management of emotions of employees. This study aimed to investigate the impact of level of emotional intelligence on the job performance of employees in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. The study adopted a quantitative research design, with data collected from 350 employees working in different apparel factories in Sri Lanka. The study utilized a self administered questionnaire that included measures of emotional intelligence and job performance. The results of the study indicated that higher level of emotional intelligence had a positive impact on employee job performance in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. Employees who had higher level of emotional intelligence demonstrated higher levels of job performance than those who had less level of emotional intelligence. The study found a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence level and job performance among employees in the industry. The study's findings suggest that increased emotional intelligence level can be an effective tool for improving employee job performance in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. This study contributes to the growing body of research on the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace and provides practical insights for organizations looking to enhance their employees' emotional intelligence skills.