The Nexus between Emotional Intelligence and Turnover Intention among In-Service Teachers in Lira City and Wakiso District, Uganda

The purpose of this study was to examine the nexus between emotional intelligence and turnover intention among in-service teachers specifically in Lira City and Wakiso District, Uganda. The study was guided by the Person–Environment Fit Theory. A quantitative research approach and a cross sectional research design was adopted to conducted this study. The target population consisted of full time primary school teachers from both Government and Private schools. We sampled 38 schools (both government and private schools) using Stratified and Simple Random Sampling Techniques. In these schools 500 teachers were sampled using Simple Random Sampling technique. Data was collected using Self-Administered Standardized Questionnaires and analyzed using Stata 18. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson Correlation Coefficient(r). Most teachers demonstrated strong emotional intelligence (Mean = 4.02, SD = 0.92) and a moderate level of turnover intention (mean = 3.10, SD = 1.46). A reflection of mix feelings of opinions on job satisfaction, retention and future plans was realized. Further results revealed a significant negative correlation between emotional intelligence and turnover intention (r = -0.19, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in level of turnover intention between teachers from Lira and Wakiso district (t=1.41, p >.05) and the model explained only 3.50% of the variance in turnover intention. In conclusion, the study results demonstrate a significant negative relationship between emotional intelligence and turnover intention, indicating that emotional intelligence has the potency to trigger turnover intention. We therefore strongly recommend the need to; provide teachers with training courses on emotional intelligence, apply Emotional Intelligence Assessment when hiring and selecting employees, match employees to their suitable roles, offer Emotional Intelligence training for managers or school administrators, and encourage Psychological Safety at workplace.