Relationship of Emotional intelligence and innovative work behavior: A survey of microfinance institution in Kenya
1Philip Kiprotich Bii, 2Mutai Nelly Chelangat
1,2Bomet University College, School of Business and Economics, P. o. Box 701-20400 Bomet, Kenya.
https://doi.org/10.47191/jefms/v8-i1-45ABSTRACT:
Emotional intelligence is a person’s ability to recognize personal feelings and those of others and to manage their emotions. However, despite the wide interest, the concept of emotional intelligence and innovative work behaviour has often not been clearly defined in studies of the subject; indeed, the concept has become crucial for organization, yet less attention is given. Employees need to be both willing and able to be creative if a continuous flow of creativity is to be realized. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and innovative work behavior in microfinance institution in Kenya. Emotional intelligence is increasingly being emphasized as an important concept that requires managers to improve their innovativeness. The study employed cross-sectional survey design. The institutions studied were selected using stratified random sampling technique. The two strata considered were deposit taking microfinance and non-deposit taking microfinance. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 155 branch managers and 465 subordinates of microfinance institutions. Data was analyzed by use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. From each institution sampled the respondent was the branch managers who was in charge of day today running of the branch. Apart from the data from the managers each manager was rated by three support staff referred to as raters. Emotional competency Profiler was used to determine emotional intelligence of the managers. Emotional intelligence was taken as the independent variable while innovative work behavior was the dependent variable. Data was analyzed statistically using SPSS. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out and hypothesis tested. Results showed that managers had moderate level of emotional intelligence. The study found a significant positive relationship between; emotional intelligence and innovative work behavior. It was concluded that emotional intelligence had an influence on innovative work behavior.
KEYWORDS:
Emotional intelligence, Profiler, Innovative work behavior, Managers, Rater
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