Psychometric validation of the Leadership Toolkit (2021) Emotional Intelligence Scale for teacher development in Chinese private universities
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Emotional intelligence (EI) is linked to effective teaching and educational leadership, yet few tools have been validated for Chinese private-university faculty. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Leadership Toolkit (2021) EI Scale in a sample of 450 teachers from Shandong province. Using stratified sampling, we administered a 37-item instrument covering five domains—self-awareness, managing emotions, motivating oneself, empathy, and social skills. Exploratory factor analysis supported a five-factor solution; confirmatory factor analysis indicated good fit (χ 2 /df, CFI, TLI, RMSEA, SRMR within commonly accepted thresholds). Convergent and discriminant validity were established (loadings ≥ 0.70; AVE ≥ 0.50; CR ≥ 0.70). Multi-group CFA demonstrated configural, metric, scalar, and residual invariance across gender, supporting unbiased cross-group comparisons. Internal consistency was high for the total scale and subscales. Findings suggest the instrument is reliable and culturally appropriate for assessing EI among Chinese private-university teachers, with implications for faculty development and leadership training. Future research should replicate with broader samples and examine links between EI and instructional outcomes. Despite these strengths, the study is limited by a single-province sample and self-report data, and it adopts a cross-sectional design.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
Authors: Qianqian Sun, Mohd Khairuddin Abdullah, ChoonKeong Tan
Institutions: Universiti of Malaysia Sabah, SEGi University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4416384339