مهدی غیرتمند

This research is descriptive-analytical and conducted cross-sectionally, aiming to assess the impact of emotional intelligence on enhancing employees’ job performance with the mediating variable of employee empowerment in companies and organizations affiliated with the Executive Headquarters of Imam Khomeini (RA). The statistical population of this study includes three companies affiliated with the Executive Headquarters: Tadbir Industry and Mining Development Holding, Barkat Pharmaceutical Group, and Tadbir Investment Company. These companies were selected due to their key roles in the industrial, mining, pharmaceutical, and investment sectors. The selection was based on the researcher’s access and the feasibility of obtaining permission to distribute the questionnaire. A stratified random sampling method was chosen due to the multi-sectoral structure and organizational diversity of the statistical population, ensuring proportional distribution of the sample among different groups and enhancing the generalizability of the findings. To determine the sample size, Cochran’s formula for finite populations was used. Given the total population of ۱۸,۴۰۰ employees in the three companies studied, the required sample size was calculated to be ۳۷۷, proportionally distributed among the mentioned companies. After distributing ۴۰۰ questionnaires, a total of ۳۸۲ completed responses were used for statistical analysis.

For data analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using the Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) method was employed. The goodness-of-fit of measurement, structural, and overall models was first evaluated, followed by hypothesis testing using significance coefficients (t-values) and standardized path coefficients.

The results indicated that emotional intelligence has a significant and positive impact on employee empowerment. Additionally, empowerment significantly enhances job performance. The direct effect of emotional intelligence on job performance was also found to be positive and significant. Furthermore, the mediating role of empowerment in the relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance was confirmed. These findings emphasize that improving employees' emotional intelligence and fostering organizational empowerment can lead to enhanced job performance. Accordingly, it is recommended that organizations prioritize emotional intelligence training and the promotion of an empowerment culture in their human resource development programs.