The effect of an emotional intelligence development programme on accountants

Abstract

The objective of this research was to compile and evaluate a development programme aimed at emotional intelligence (EI) in the accounting profession. A two-group design (pre- and post-test) was used. An accidental sample (experimental and control group) was taken from future employees within a financial management environment. The BarOn-EQ-i was administered and further data were gathered qualitatively by means of diary entries. The results showed an improvement in total EI level. The specific areas of EI that were developed due to the programme included the following subscales: interpersonal, adaptability and general mood. The specific EI factors that showed improvement included self-regard, self-actualisation, interpersonal relations, reality testing, problem solving, flexibility, stress tolerance and optimism