Supervisory Emotional Intelligence and Subordinate Absenteeism, is there a relationship?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is viewed within leadership literature as a key determinant of effective leadership. Yet there is a dearth of ability-tested supporting research. Using the MSCEIT instrument this large-scale study (39 supervisors, 801 employees) examines the relationship between the EI of supervisors and a key determinant of team performance, subordinate absence. Subordinate absence rates were calculated over a one year period. Data analysis suggests that some aspects of the MSCEIT are strong predictors of subordinate absence, particularly the branches within the Experiential EI domain (r = -0.45, p <0.01), while other aspects (e.g. Managing Emotions branch) are not. These findings have significant implications in that; (1) they endorse the validity of incorporating EI interventions alongside the recruitment and selection process and the training and development process of managerial personnel, and (2) they question the conceptual validity of a key branch (Managing Emotions) of the instrument.