Assessing Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction in Public Sector Employees in North Macedonia

Abstract Emotional intelligence (EI) is conceptualized as the capability to recognise, understand, manage, and express personal and interpersonal emotions. Previous research shows that greater emotional intelligence is related with higher job satisfaction (JS), as individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence are better prepared to navigate stress and interpersonal dynamics. This study in employing a quantitative research design of structured questionnaires examines the association between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. The target group is a sample of 54 public sector employees in North Macedonia, a region where research on this intersection remains limited. By addressing this research gap, we contribute to the broader understanding of how emotional intelligence influences public service delivery and employee satisfaction, including interpersonal relationships, decision-making, and stress management. Drawing on established theories and frameworks of EI and JS, we explore four key dimensions of EI: Self-Emotional Appraisal (SEA), Others’ Emotion Assessment (OEA), Regulation of One’s Own Emotions (ROE), and Use of Emotions (UOE). The findings from this study show a significant positive correlation between Regulation of Emotions and job satisfaction. This suggests that individuals who are able to regulate their emotions tend to exhibit greater levels of job satisfaction. Moreover, the results derived from this study can be used by public institutions to create human resource toolkits to enhance emotional intelligence and job satisfaction in employees in the public sector of North Macedonia.