Emotional intelligence of municipal employees: An empirical study based on generational theory
Abstract
Aim. To conduct an empirical analysis of generational specificity in the structure of emotional intelligence and professional burnout among local government employees. Objectives. To measure the levels of emotional intelligence and burnout using validated instruments; to perform a generational breakdown by their components; to statistically verify the relationships as applied to age groups; to identify practical implications for personnel management. Methods. The study was conducted in September 2025 using a complete enumeration survey of 38 employees of the Civil Registry Offices (ZAGS) of Kazan. Emotional intelligence was measured using N. Hall’s questionnaire, and burnout was measured using C. Maslach’s Burnout Inventory (MBI). Statistical processing included the Pearson correlation coefficient and factor analysis within the framework of N. Howe and W. Strauss’s generational theory. Results. An average or high level of emotional intelligence was found in 71% of employees, a low level of burnout in 61%, and among managers in 80%. A negative correlation was identified between emotional intelligence and professional burnout across the sample ( r = –0,36), most pronounced on the depersonalization scale. At the same time, for Generation Y, the relationship proved to be significantly stronger ( r = –0,55) than for Generation X ( r = –0,22). Conclusions. Emotional intelligence serves as an intangible organizational resource that reduces the risk of professional burnout. However, the nature of this relationship is also determined by generational affiliation: for Generation X, emotional intelligence protects against psychoemotional exhaustion; for Generation Y, against depersonalization and the loss of a meaningful attitude toward working with citizens. The identified patterns are cross-sectoral in nature, which allows for recommending the integration of differentiated, generationally oriented emotional intelligence development programs into the corporate training systems and personnel policies of both public and commercial organizations.