Development and validation of the Emotional Ability Rating Scale (EARS)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a job analysis tool designed to assess the degree to which emotional intelligence (as defined by Mayer, Salovey, and colleagues) is required for various occupations. The Emotional Ability Rating Scale (EARS) uses behaviourally anchored rating scales (BARS) to assess the extent to which four emotional abilities (i.e., perception, understanding, facilitation, and management) are required for successful job performance. The EARS was validated using groups of participants from a range of professions. Confirmatory Factor Analyses indicated that neither a four-factor, two-factor, nor a one-factor structure fit the data well. However, the four-factor model fit better than both the two-factor and one-factor models. All four scales had excellent internal consistency. The EARS was positively correlated with two measures of interpersonal job requirements. It was also related to emotional labour and two measures of job incumbent EI. Overall, the results offer some evidence for the reliability and validity of the EARS, however, further development and evaluation is warranted.