Emotional Intelligence among <scp>B</scp>lack and <scp>W</scp>hite Job Applicants: Examining differences in test performance and test reactions

Abstract

The present work examines applicant reactions to a test of emotional intelligence ( EI ) using an organizational sample of 334 job applicants. Results indicated that B lacks had higher face validity and opportunity to perform perceptions of EI than W hites, but that W hites performed significantly better than B lacks on the EI test. Although exploratory analyses revealed that test performance was positively related to test reactions, we also found that the magnitude of this relationship differed between B lacks and W hites for opportunity to perform perceptions. We discuss our findings by offering practical advice for organizations considering or using a measure of EI for selection and assessment.