CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2022 · Vol. 2022, Issue 1

Assessment of emotional intelligence impact on construction firms human resource management practices in a developing economy

Helen Ifedolapo Babalola,Clinton Aigbavboa and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

Keywords: Construction industry, developing countries, emotional intelligence, human resource management practices, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the attributes of emotional intelligence (EI) that impact construction firms (CFs) human resource management practices (HRMPs) as well as evaluated the impact of each of the attributes on CFs' HRMPs in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). For this study, a qualitative research design was adopted. Delphi approach was utilised to elicit experts’ opinions on some identified attributes of EI. Data collected was analysed using a combination of interquartile deviation, median, standard deviation, mean, and Cronbach’s alpha to attain a robust consensus among respondents. The theoretical basis of the study is in the Path-goal theory. The study is limited to construction professionals (CPs) and human resources (HRs) in the Nigerian built environment. The findings revealed that seven (7) attributes of EI impact on CFs HRMPs, with two (2) attributes possessing a very high impact (VHI: 9.00-10.00), while five (5) scored high impact (HI: 7.00-8.99). Also, the study found that the attributes of EI that impact CFs' HRMPs include: encouraging self-control, promoting on-the-job relationships, and having a good listening ability. The study recommends CPs’ and HRs should exhibit self-control, build relationships, and possess good listening ability while on construction projects to achieve performance. The study will increase the understanding of CPs and HRs in the NCI on EI's various attributes and impacts on performance. Additionally,it will encourage CPs and HRs to think critically about the need for HRMPs implementation to show different EI characteristics.