Emotional intelligence among postgraduate students

the case from a university in the northwest of the state of Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Theme: Emotional Intelligence (EI) involves the intelligent use of emotions, as a tool to enhance the achievement of positive results, that's why it becomes so important in organizational environments. Objective: To verify the presence of the dimensions of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, empathy and social skills) in Lato Sensu postgraduate students at a University in the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, and if there is a relationship between EI and the respondents’ profile. Method: Quantitative research, survey using the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal instrument adapted from Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, in a sample of 69 students from four different postgraduate courses. For data analysis, the software SPSS^® version 21 was used. Main results: The majority of the students have high EI. The self-control dimension had the lowest index, while the social skill dimension, the highest one. It was also possible to identify the relationship between age and the postgraduate course with the levels of EI and, that the use of tools helps in the development and increases the levels of EI. Main contributions: The research suggests that EI can be developed from pedagogical tools and practices. Despite the need for further study, the results obtained can also provide initial directions for possible curriculum reformulations.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence. Post-graduation. Students.