The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Counterproductive Work Behavior

The purpose of the present research is to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in counterproductive work behavior in the Local Government Organizations. The relationship between counterproductive work behavior, emotional intelligence and job satisfaction is also explored. A quantitative empirical survey was conducted in the public sector and especially in the Municipality of Chalkida, in Greece. The research findings have shown that job satisfaction has a negative correlation with counterproductive work behavior and positive correlation with emotional intelligence. Additionally, counterproductive work behavior & emotional intelligence are influenced by age. Emotional intelligence has high score among the employees of the Municipality of Chalkida and this indicates a low tendency to exhibit counterproductive work behavior. The generalisation of the findings are potential limited by the fact that the sample consisted only of employees within a particular local government. Ebracing such surveys by local governments will be of use to resources management strategies and plans so as to improve human resources performance and create a work environment that is as optimal as possible. Additionally, they will improve citizens service and that will lead to a better reputation and value of the public organisations. The present study contributes to the literature on emotional intelligence and counterproductive work behavior in the work place by investigating the relationship between them.