Exploring the Relationships between Proactive Personality and Work Engagement: The Mediating Effects of Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

Employers expect their employees to deliver top-notch work in today's competitive business world. However, there is a lack of research exploring the connection between emotional intelligence, proactive personality, and work engagement. We thoroughly reviewed relevant literature and theories and developed a data collection tool to fill this gap. Our survey of 347 practitioners in the manufacturing industry of Southern Taiwan was analyzed using hierarchical linear regression and mediator effect tests. The results indicate that emotional intelligence is crucial in mediating the relationship between proactive personality and work engagement. We also discovered that emotional regulation is a critical factor in these connections. This study highlights that individuals with a highly proactive personality tend to exhibit more frequent behaviors of vigor, dedication, and absorption, emphasizing the importance of considering a proactive personality when selecting employees to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, providing emotional regulation training can help employees improve their emotional intelligence, work engagement, and overall performance.