ASSESSING JOB SATISFACTION AMONG LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS THROUGH THE LENS OF GOLEMAN’S EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MODEL: EVIDENCE FROM PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Purpose – Purpose of this study is based on Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence (EI) Framework to investigate the Job Satisfaction (JS) psychological and environmental factors, among Library and Information Sciences (LIS) specialists employed in public university libraries in Punjab, Pakistan.  Design/Methodology/Approach – A survey questionnaire was designed and validated by LIS experts and pretested before data collection, 315 LIS professionals filled the survey questionnaire who were employed in 54 HEC-recognized public sector university libraries in Punjab, Pakistan. Findings – The results suggest that library professionals generally possess moderate to high levels of emotional intelligence, with self-awareness emerging as the strongest competency. However, comparatively low levels were observed in motivation, empathy, and social skills. The lower JS is reported in people-centered, collaborative, and leadership-focused roles. Correlation analysis confirms self-awareness, empathy, and social skills showing stronger associations. Regression analysis identifies self-awareness as the strongest predictor of JS, followed by self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, thereby supporting Goleman’s EI framework. Research Limitations/Implications – The study is limited to university library professionals in Punjab, Pakistan, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings to other regions of the country. Future studies may employ longitudinal designs to examine additional organizational and cultural factors influencing the relationship between EI and JS. Practical Implications – The findings indicate that academic library administrators should incorporate EI competencies into their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes to improve workplace attitudes and organizational effectiveness. It recommends structured CPD programmes focusing on weaker EI and JS dimensions to enhance employee engagement. Originality/Value – The present study contributes to the scarce LIS literature on EI in Pakistan by presenting empirical evidence of the role of Goleman EI five dimensions in predicting JS suggests extending future research to private sector universities, employing longitudinal and mixed-method approaches, and incorporating additional variables such as organizational commitment, leadership styles, psychological well-being, and workplace stress to develop a more comprehensive understanding of JS of LIS professionals.