EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS PREDICTORS OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT, JOB CREATION AND OCCUPATIONAL INNOVATIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Population for the study was of 4018 persons made up of 24 lectures of technology 3994 registered tradesmen in technology occupations in Northern Nigeria. Sample compromised 351 made up of 317 tradesmen 24 lecturers and 10 academic experts’ institution purposive sampling and multi-stage stratified random sampling techniques was used. Structured questionnaire five point liket scale with 50 items validated by experts. Validated instrument was trial tested, Cronbach Alpha reliability technique realized at 0.78.  Two research questions and two null hypotheses formulated and tested at 0.05 significance level. The data generated from the study were analyzed using the mean to answer the research questions. The finding made include the following: 62 emotional intelligence competency items were found to be very indispensable for successful career in technology occupation in Nigeria. Emotional intelligence inventory for technology occupations in Nigeria has a five factor structure with 38 emotional intelligence aptitude items and was found to have high construct validity high coefficient of internal Consistency of 0.834 The study has this findings Understand the emotional implication of one’s action lean from past experience; Ability to be persistent in pursuing goals despite obstacles and setbacks; Ability to take independent decisions. Therefore, recommend the use deep technical knowledge and skills to avoid ambiguity and risk and Insist in detail orientation.