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.