STRESS MANAGEMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENTS : THE INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Abstract

Occupational stress has long been associated with negative outcomes for both individuals and organizations. Studies suggest that physical and psychological health, as well as job satisfaction and organizational commitment, decrease as a result of elevated levels of occupational stress. Recently researchers have proposed that an intertwined relationship exists between emotional intelligence and occupational stress and that emotional intelligence plays a role in adaptive coping (Austin, Saklofske, & Egan, 2005; Gardner, 2005; Sahar-Khiz, 2010). This study systematically examined this contention by seeking to determine whether there is a relationship between emotional intelligence and stress management of North Carolina community college presidents. This was accomplished through a quantitative study of these constructs. The constructs were operationalized by means of a combination of scales present in the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised and the Genos Emotional Intelligence Inventory. The study sample included 47 North Carolina community college presidents, for an overall response rate of 81%. The study hypothesis was tested with multiple regression analysis by regressing seven subscales of emotional intelligence on three subscales of occupational stress-coping resources. It was determined that out of the seven subscales of emotional intelligence only three did not emerge as significant independent variables affecting the subscales of coping resources. Therefore, it can be concluded that a significant positive relationship exists between the emotional intelligence of the North Carolina Community college presidents and their occupational stress-coping resources. This study has implications for the incorporation of emotional intelligence training in presidential preparation forums, in the education of standing presidents, and for presidential selection processes.