Investigating the Impact of Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction on Burnout of Public Sector Employees

Abstract

The Namibian government’s main aim is to transform the public service to be able to achieve targets set in Vision 2030, the national planning and the Harambee Prosperity Plan. The public service in Namibia has been experiencing difficulties because of poor service delivery, and the capacity for good service delivery lies with the employees. Stress and burnout are some of the main variables that inhibit work engagement and productivity of employees. The purpose of this study was to identify whether emotional intelligence and job satisfaction have an impact on public service employees’ burnout levels. This study made use of the non-experimental research design, utilising a questionnaire to collect the data. Three state-owned enterprises were targeted in Windhoek, and a sample of n=130 completed the questionnaire. Emotional intelligence (self-awareness, social skills) reported a positive relationship with job satisfaction. Emotional intelligence (self-awareness, social skills) and job satisfaction reported a positive relationship with burnout. This study recommends emotional intelligence training, stress management training, employee assistance programs and further research to understand the stressors that employees face. This study adds to the understanding of burnout within the Namibian context and the field of Psychology.