The role of emotional intelligence in the experience of burnout among South African leaders working in financial roles

Abstract

South African leaders serving a financial role within the corporate sector are prone to experience burnout due to the nature of their jobs. These leaders are also usually not inclined to regulate and manage emotions effectively. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of emotional intelligence in the experience of burnout. Quantitative data was obtained from financial leaders (n = 100). First, it was determined who were suffering from burnout. This was followed by MANOVAs to determine if these groups differed with regards to the display of emotional intelligence. Thereafter, stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the extent to which emotional intelligence could predict the occurrence of burnout. Findings suggested that financial leaders who measure high on emotional intelligence were less at risk of experiencing burnout. It was also discovered that emotional self-management and emotional management of others were significant predictors of burnout.