Emotional Intelligence (EI) Spectrum: Comparing Undergraduate and Postgraduate Management Students

Education plays a major role in the development of any country. Emotional Intelligence (EI) first arose in the 1990s as an ability-based construct similar to general intelligence. Management students' academic progress, interpersonal interactions and professional preparation are all influenced by their EI. However, the comparative understanding of EI skills at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels is still overlooked. The main objective of this research was to compare the EI spectrum of these two groups, focusing on core EI competencies such as self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation, motivation and social skills. This study employed a quantitative research methodology and included 100 management students from Greater Noida. The primary data was collected via a standardised questionnaire. Statistical tools such as mean, correlation, regression, ANOVA were utilised. The findings reveal that there is no significant difference in EI spectrum between undergraduate and postgraduate management students except for self-regulation. By addressing the unique developmental needs of management students, the findings will assist educators and policymakers in creating focused interventions to improve EI. These interventions can result in better academic performance, professional readiness and interpersonal skills, thereby producing future leaders who are well-rounded.