Examination of the discriminant, convergent, and criterion-related validity of self-ratings on the emotional competence inventory

We found that self-ratings on the Emotional Competence Inventory (ECI) had small relationships with, but a distinct factor structure from, the Big-Five personality dimensions. ECI self-ratings were unrelated to academic performance and general mental ability. ECI self-ratings had significant, albeit small, correlations with EC-related behaviors and peer nominations of influence during a leaderless group discussion, coworkers' ratings of managerial skills, and number of promotions received. However, with one exception, these significant relationships disappeared after controlling for personality and age.