The significance of mutual recognition respect in mediating the relationships between trait emotional intelligence, affective commitment and job satisfaction

There has been limited research to date exploring the significance of a form of respect referred to as mutual recognition respect within manager and subordinate relationships. Based on data collected from 203 manager-subordinate dyads within the Insurance industry in Malaysia, we examine the effects of mutual recognition respect on subordinate affective commitment and job satisfaction. As theorised, high and shared recognition respect in relationships (mutual recognition respect) was found to positively predict these workplace attitudes. In addition, both manager and subordinate trait emotional intelligence were positively associated with mutual recognition respect. In relationships characterised as having low mutual recognition respect, the model demonstrated a much poorer fit to the data and trait-EI was not found have a significant effect in this model. Our findings suggest mutual recognition respect can have both organizational and individual benefits and selection methods that assess trait-EI may help to enhance mutual recognition respect within the workplace.