University of Haifa carried out a study on behavioral differences between private and public sector with special emphasis on the role and impact of emotional intelligence on the attitude towards the workplace.  This study, which was conducted under the supervision and guidance of Prof Eran Vigoda-Gadot, won the ‘Outstanding Doctorate Award’ from the Israeli Political Science Association.

The Findings Of The Study

There were many very significant findings that resulted from this study, which are briefly described here:

-      the employees in public sector possessed a higher level of skill on organizational politics. In private sector, it was found that the higher the emotional level among the employees, the lower was the perception of organizational politics

-      the higher the emotional intelligence in the private sector the more positive were the attitudes; in public sector it did not make any difference

-      no matter the level of emotional intelligence, the employees in public sector were more likely to employ forceful tactics to get their work done; on the other hand, in private sector the emotional intelligence was indirectly proportional to the incidence of forceful tactics

-      in private sector, higher emotional intelligence results more positive attitude towards the goals of the organization, work satisfaction, commitment to the organization, and justice. It also reduced negative attitudes such as casual approach to work, desire to leave the job, work burnout, and such others. There is no significant impact of higher emotional intelligence on the attitude of employees of public sector

The Significance of these Findings

Stress is a major that cuts down productivity and promotes high turnover in both public and private sectors organizations. A deeper understanding of the interaction and impact of the emotional intelligence at workplace would mean less stress and higher retention of deserving employees.

Dr Galit Meilser while explaining about the study said, “We believe that the high level of organizational politics in the public sector and the stress associated with it decrease the positive effects of emotional intelligence for this sector”.

For the executives who have on their agenda introduction and implementation of various reforms would do good to take into consideration the findings of this study. Being aware about these basic yet very significant difference, would ensure that the plans laid out would be fruitful. Emotional intelligence would gradually a key component in the eligibility of an employee in either sectors, i.e. public or private.