Recruiting Happy, Socio-emotionally Balanced and Mature Managers in Finland and Elsewhere

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore and evaluate which emotional intelligence skills Finnish recruiters value in job ads the most when they seek new managers mainly in Finland. The results were validated by doing interviews in a group of a LinkedIn, which called themselves as “The emotional intelligence network”. The results of these interviews were used as an analysing tool by comparing Western recruiters emotional intelligence requirements with skill requirements found from Finnish job ads. We also include suggestions on how these skills can and should intentionally be developed.

On the basis of the research conducted with mixed sample and methods approach, recruiters mainly in Finland, but also in other Western countries, seek happy, socio-emotionally balanced and mentally matured managers. Happy managers are positive, optimistic and good in interpersonal relationships. Socio-emotionally balanced managers are at the same time independent and flexible and have good tolerance of stress. Mentally matured managers are self-aware, socially responsible and assertive.

This paper provides guidance for recruiters regarding which emotional intelligence skills they should look more closely into when they hire new people for managerial positions. Secondly, the paper reveals which emotional intelligence skills the applicants for managerial positions should focus on in order to promote their careers. Another purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of how these emotional intelligence skills can be developed. We claim that these skills can and should be developed.