Influence of Emotional Intelligence for Mitigation of Employee Alienation in Indian Higher Education Institutions-With Special Reference to Bengaluru

Abstract

In today’s world, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are challenged to confront the impact of global accreditation, and policy changes by the Government. In this scenario, Emotional Intelligence and Employee Alienation are critical components to measure employee job performance. This study examines the influence of Emotional Intelligence on Employee Alienation and Job Performance in Indian HEIs. Further, the mediating effect of Negative and Positive Emotions along with moderating effect of Employment Type (Teaching and Non-Teaching) are investigated.

The proposed cross-sectional study collected data from 288 employees of eight Indian HEIs in Bengaluru using a stratified sampling technique. Structural Equation Modelling was used to analyse the interrelationships. Results revealed a negative association between Emotional Intelligence and Employee Alienation, as well as Employee Alienation and Job Performance. The findings revealed the moderating effect of employment type on these relationships with a higher impact on non-teaching staff. Further, Negative Emotions found partially mediating the Emotional Intelligence-Employee Alienation relationship with significant direct (β: -0.33) and indirect (β: -0.09) effects.

Findings revealed that enhancement of Emotional Intelligence reduces Employee Alienation and improves Job Performance. The results have multi-fold implications for senior management in terms of nurturing an emotionally intelligent workforce for the success of Indian HEIs.