Research 2012

A Survey on the Emotional Quotient Level of Psychology Students: Basis for Employment Enhancement Program

Dr. Ronan S. Estoque, Ms. Ria Emerose A. Jacela MA, Mr. Richard Laus

Our Lady of Fatima University – Quezon City

ABSTRACT

Placement in our society is often based on our intelligence, in the industry we are often measured by our intelligence quotient. This study proposes emotional quotient (EQ) as a consideration in job placement and predicting future job performance. This study is based on the EQ level of Second Year BS Psychology Students. The variables tested and analyzed were lifted from the Baron EQ test.  The research was conducted within the limited frame of school year 2010 – 2011.

As a result of the growing acknowledgement by professionals of the importance and relevance of emotions to work outcomes, the research on the topic continued to gain momentum, but it wasn't until the publication of Daniel Goleman's best seller “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ” that the term became widely popularized. Nancy Gibbs' 1995 Time magazine article highlighted Goleman's book and was the first in a string of mainstream media interest in EI.

Emotional Quotient (EQ) is the ability to sense, understand, and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions to facilitate high levels of collaboration and productivity. Thus, EQ could be a factor that could predict work performance and eventually job retention. IQ is the basis of employment but EQ will determine the performance and consistency in a particular job.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.      For the Psychology Faculty and Guidance Personnel, to focus and zero in developing the “interpersonal skills” of the psychology students.

2.      It is recommended that more focus on Emotional Quotient be expended by the Psychology Faculty.  Lessen the emphasis on IQ and more on EQ.

3.      Work on English Proficiency.  English is the lingua franca of business, proficiency in these language increases ten-fold, the employability of psychology students.

4.      It is recommended that psychology students ought to improve and work on communication skills.

5.      More than “analysis”, extend the reach of foresight and knowledge of psychology students towards “synthesis”.

6.      It is recommended that psychology students should acquire the skills of looking at the bigger picture.

7.      Since no one is perfect, and no one is a winner all the time, to look at failure as a platform to improve oneself and learn from such mistakes.

8.      It is recommended that psychology students should be encouraged to act independently.

9.      It is recommended that psychology students should improve one’s presentation skills.

10.  It is recommended that psychology students should have a speech class.

11.  It is recommended that psychology students should acquire the skills of looking at the bigger picture.

12.  Since no one is perfect, and no one is a winner all the time, to look at failure as a platform to improve oneself and learn from such mistakes.

13.  It is recommended that psychology students should be encouraged to act independently.

14.  It is recommended that psychology students should accept and set realistic goals.

15.  It is recommended that psychology students should improve one’s presentation skills.

16.  It is recommended that psychology students should have a speech class.

17.  It is recommended that psychology students attend more personality development programs through the Guidance and Career Planning Center.

18.  It is recommended that the Guidance and Career Planning Center should continue to strictly monitor Psychology students’ progress in all aspects.

19.  It is recommended that psychology students should have a class on business letter writing.

20.  As early as first year level BS psychology students should be exposed to skills training on interviews.

21.  Encourage participation in University Peer Counseling Seminar to enhance facilitation and event management skills.

22.  It is recommended that Psychology students increase their exposure to extra-curricular activities in and out of the campus related to the course.

23.  It is recommended that Psychology students to establish networks and linkages  with other organizations other than one found in Our Lady of Fatima University QC Campus.