DOES JOB SATISFACTION MEDIATE THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND JOB PERFORMANCE? A STUDY ON MIDDLE-LEVEL MANAGERS IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Purpose This study aims to examine the mediating influence of job satisfaction in the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and job performance among managers of financial institutions operating in a selected state of India. Design/Methodology This study follows a cross-sectional analysis focusing on a sample of 318 middle-level managers of financial institutions. Data were collected on emotional intelligence (EI), job satisfaction, and job performance dimensions, and analysis was performed by employing OLS-SEM to test the multiple mediation hypotheses. Finding The study's results reveal that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance among managers. The findings indicate that the mediation is full. Theoretical implications The study emphasizes emotional intelligence (EI) as a pivotal element in organizational psychology, demonstrating its significant impact on job satisfaction, which mediates the relationship between EI and job performance. Practical implications The study recommends that organizations prioritize the development of employees' emotional intelligence (EI) to enhance both job satisfaction and performance. Originality/Value This study provides unique insights into the relationship between emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, and job performance among managers in financial institutions in Arunachal Pradesh. It highlights region-specific challenges, offering valuable implications for organizational practices and human resource management strategies.