Reliability and factor structure of a trait emotional intelligence measure in four Arab countries

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the reliability and factor structure of the Arabic translation of the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS‐41‐A), a popular trait‐based emotional intelligence test in Arab countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 453 professionals from Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE completed the EIS‐41‐A.

Findings

Findings show that the Arabic scale did have acceptable reliability and demonstrated the same factor structure as the original English language scale.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include the small sample size from some of the countries included.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to investigate the characteristics of an Arabic language emotional intelligence scale and opens the door to further research on emotional intelligence in the Arab world.

Citation

Mohamed, A.A., El Khouly, S. and Saad, M. (2012), "Reliability and factor structure of a trait emotional intelligence measure in four Arab countries", Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 83-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/17537981211225871