Testing the Second-Order Factor Structure and Measurement Equivalence of the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale Across Gender and Ethnicity

Abstract

The present study examined the measurement equivalence of a second-order factor model of emotional intelligence (EI). Using scores for 921 job applicants obtained during a personnel selection process, measurement equivalence of the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) was tested across ethnic (Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics) and gender groups. Results (a) supported the four-dimension, second-order factor structure of EI and (b) indicated that scores on the WLEIS are comparable across gender and ethnic groups. Findings are discussed in the context of applied and research-based relevance.