The Mediating Role of Self-Regulation and Cognitive Styles in the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Job Placement

The present study explores the mediating role of self-regulation and cognitive styles (i.e., rational and intuitive style) on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job placement. A descriptive survey was conducted among 267 final year undergraduate engineering students of which 124 were males (46.5%) and 143 were females (53.5%) aged between 20 to 23 years with a M age of 21.32 and SD of 0.96 selected from the Salem district of Tamil Nadu state in India. The data was collected using the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS 10), Short Self-Regulation Scale (SSRQ-22), and Personal Style Inventory (PSI). The findings indicated that emotional intelligence has a significant positive correlation with self-regulation and rational style. Similarly, self-regulation positively correlated with both rational and intuitive styles. In addition, job-placed students have higher levels of emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and rational style than job-unplaced students. The mediation analysis showed significant direct and indirect effects of emotional intelligence on job placement through self-regulation and rational style. Findings suggest that emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and rational style can foster employability skills that may help job placement. The study has practical implications for educational institutions, academic faculties and placement trainers who are seeking to maximise their student’s job placement and increase the credibility of their institution. Further, the proposed model examines the variables affecting job placement and whereas the relationship with emotional intelligence has theoretical implications that are discussed.