Examining the ability of emotional intelligence and work location to predict job satisfaction

The increasing numbers of telecommuters in the U.S. brings concern regarding how telecommuting affects job satisfaction. Previous researchers identified a gap in research regarding how emotions and environment affect job-satisfaction outcomes. To help address this gap, this study explored whether work location and emotional intelligence would predict job satisfaction. A sample of 210 persons who were full-time employees of organizations with 10,000 or more employees completed a survey measuring emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, and work location. Work location was measured dichotomously, an employee was either telecommuting (working at home eight or more hours per week on average) or in-office. A multiple linear regression using simultaneous entry indicated that a model containing emotional intelligence and work location was statistically significant for predicting job satisfaction. Hierarchical multiple linear regression indicated that a model containing emotional intelligence was statistically significant in predicting job satisfaction, when controlling for work location. Lastly, a hierarchical multiple linear regression indicated that a model containing work location was not a statistically significant predictor of job satisfaction, when controlling for emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence predicted 5.2% of the variance in job satisfaction and work location predicted 0.0% of the variance. Thus, the ability to telecommute did not appear to be related to job satisfaction outcomes. However, emotional intelligence did appear to have some association with job satisfaction. One practical implication is that perhaps training in emotional intelligence will improve job satisfaction. Further, organizations may look more closely at telecommuting as a method to reduce overhead, as it doesn't appear to negatively affect job satisfaction.