A Structural Equations Model of Social Intelligence, Conflict-Management Strategies, and Job Performance

Keywords: Intelligence, Social intelligence, Conflict-management strategies, Job performance, Leadership

Abstract: This study presents a structural equations model for the relationships of social intelligence (SI), conflict-management strategies (CMS), and job performance (JP) of the employed students at an American university. SI is defined as the ability to be aware of relevant social situational contexts; to manage situational challenges effectively; to understand others' concerns and feelings; and to build and maintain positive relationships in social settings. The model for this study was tested with questionnaire data on SI collected at the beginning of a semester, on CMS data collected at the middle of a semester, and on job performance data collected from the respective student’s supervisor at the end of a semester. Our data analyses with LISREL 9.20 suggest that employees’ SI is positively associated with CMS (problem solving strategy, but not bargaining strategy), which in turn, positively influenced JP. The study’s implications, directions for future research, and limitations are discussed.