People generally believe that emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important than intellectual intelligence (IQ), especially in the workplace, and that women typically have higher emotional intelligence than men. However, a long-term study has shown that the notion of women having higher emotional intelligence than men may not necessarily be accurate.
In a research conducted jointly by the University of Limerick in Ireland and the University of Zurich in Switzerland, researchers analyzed 1,279 academic papers and data from as many as 609,278 individuals from 76 countries.
The results revealed that on average, women scored higher in recognizing and understanding emotions but scored lower in managing emotions. When it came to managing their own feelings, men (including both men and boys) often scored higher than women, while women scored higher in managing others’ emotions.
The findings are also influenced by the way emotional intelligence is measured. In performance-based tests (which require participants to complete tasks and are scored based on accuracy), women show a significant advantage, but this advantage is relatively smaller in self-assessment questionnaires where participants rate their own abilities.
Jochen Menges, a leadership professor at the University of Zurich, stated, “In performance-based tests, women have a significant advantage; however, this advantage nearly disappears in self-assessment. Self-awareness and actual performance are not the same.”
Menges emphasized that researchers couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason behind this gap. “Men may overestimate their abilities, while women may underestimate theirs, or both scenarios could be at play. Regardless, confidence and ability are two separate things, and businesses should not confuse the two.”
Crossing nearly 30 years of data, researchers were able to track changes over time. They found that in recent years, overall gender differences in emotional intelligence have narrowed, with this change being particularly pronounced among children.
Menges noted that this change aligns with socialization processes and shifts in gender norms, but causality between the two couldn’t be established.
Previous studies have linked high emotional intelligence to job performance, stress management, and workplace relationships, particularly in communication and conflict resolution.
The researchers of this study cautioned against the unexamined repetition in business publications of the claim that “women possess higher emotional intelligence.” They believe that accepting this claim as fact without scrutiny could lead employers to unfairly burden women with excessive emotional labor.
Menges added, “Such broad generalizations could reinforce stereotypes and shift emotional labor onto women.”
Sociologist Arlie Hochschild first introduced the concept of emotional labor in 1983, referring to emotions having market and exchange value in capitalist societies. People must regulate their emotions to conform to norms and ensure smooth work operations in order to earn wages.
Menges advised that companies should no longer view emotional intelligence as a feminine trait but as a set of skills. He suggested adopting validated, performance-based measurement standards rather than solely relying on self-assessment when feasible.
He stated, “To cultivate these abilities in everyone, emotional labor should not be automatically deemed a woman’s responsibility.”
When it comes to developing emotional intelligence, experts suggest it can be nurtured from a young age. Parents who raise children with high emotional intelligence typically follow seven habits, which include demonstrating how to handle one’s emotions, apologizing to children, and not forcing children to artificially display politeness.
(Source: How to Raise Children with High Emotional Intelligence? Experts Teach You 7 Strategies)