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CASE STUDY EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE OR COGNITIVE ABILITY? Cognitive ability tests are very reliable and valid measures of job performance (r = 0.51). Cognitive ability tests

CASE STUDY

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE OR COGNITIVE ABILITY?

Cognitive ability tests are very reliable and valid measures of job performance (r = 0.51). Cognitive ability tests normally assess reasoning, verbal ability, and quantitative ability. A recent survey, however, found that 71 percent of the 2661 employers sampled valued emotional intelligence (EI) over cognitive ability. EI assesses a persons ability to accurately perceive emotions in themselves and others; to be aware of how their emotions shape their thinking, decisions, and coping mechanisms; their ability to understand and analyze their emotions; and their ability to regulate their emotions. EI correlates with job performance at a much lower level, r = .30 at most, and in many cases the specific measure of EI does not correlate with job performance. Still, the survey found that 59 percent of the employers would not hire someone with high cognitive ability but low EI. 75 percent said they would promote someone with high EI over someone with a lower value of EI. When asked why emotional intelligence is more important than high IQ, employers said (in order of importance) high EI employees:

  • a. are more likely to stay calm under pressure,
  • b. know how to resolve conflict effectively,
  • c. are empathetic to their team members and react accordingly,
  • d. lead by example, and
  • e. tend to make more thoughtful business decisions.

In discussing the survey results, Rosemary Haefner, vice-president of human resources at CareerBuilder, the organization that carried out the survey said, The competitive job market allows employers to look more closely at the intangible qualities that pay dividends down the roadlike skilled communicators and perceptive team players. Technical competency and intelligence are important assets for every worker, but when its down to you and another candidate for a promotion or new job, dynamic interpersonal skills will set you apart. In a recovering economy, employers want people who can effectively make decisions in stressful situations and can empathize with the needs of their colleagues and clients to deliver the best results.

Source: Adapted from CareerBuilder, Seventy-One Percent of Employers Say They Value Emotional Intelligence Over IQ, According to CareerBuilder Survey, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seventy-one-percent-of-employers-say-they-value-emotional-intelligence-over-iq-according-to-careerbuilder survey-127995518.html. Reprinted by permission.

Question

Argue for using both EI and cognitive ability tests in employee selection. What would each uniquely contribute to improving selection decisions? (1-2 paragraphs)

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