The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Enhancing Job Satisfaction and Performance among High School Teachers in Ghana

Abstract

Emotional intelligence has a substantial impact on job performance, decision-making, leadership, motivation, and effective management. This study investigates the correlation between emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, and job performance among senior high school teachers in the Bia West District of Ghana. The study's primary purpose is to investigate the impact of emotional intelligence on teachers' job satisfaction and, consequently, their job performance. A quantitative descriptive survey design was employed to examine these relationships. The study's participants comprised 102 teachers selected through a multi-stage sampling method, utilising census and quota sampling techniques. Data was collected using three main instruments: the Emotional Intelligence Scale, Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Job Performance Questionnaire, which were subjected to validity checks through pilot testing. The reliability coefficients for the instruments were found to be acceptable, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.79 for emotional intelligence and 0.80 and 0.79 for job satisfaction and performance, respectively. The data collected were analysed using SPSS to determine the relationships among the variables. The findings revealed significant positive correlations between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction (r = 0.349, n = 102, p < 0.0001) and between emotional intelligence and job performance (r = 0.368, n = 102, p < 0.05). This suggests that teachers with higher emotional intelligence tend to experience greater job satisfaction and perform more effectively. The study concludes that emotional intelligence is a vital predictor of teacher job satisfaction and job performance. A teacher with high-level emotional intelligence is less likely to be severely impacted by stressors than those with low emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence enhances teachers’ ability to work in teams and ensure organisational effectiveness. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should integrate emotional intelligence assessments into teacher recruitment and training to improve classroom effectiveness. By prioritising emotional intelligence in teacher professional development programs, educational authorities can foster a more committed and effective teaching workforce, ultimately benefiting students' academic outcomes.