Daff, Lyn, De Lange, Paul and Jackling, Beverley (2012) A closer look at how emotional intelligence may be used to enhance generic skills development in accounting education. In: Proceedings of Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference (AFAANZ 2012). Potter, Brad and Birt, Jacqueline, eds. Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ) , Carlton, Australia .

Abstract

In spite of the ongoing attention given to generic skills, stakeholders continue to express concerns regarding students' mastery of nontechnical skills. This paper suggests that emotional intelligence needs to be combined with generic skills to achieve the desired attributes that will enhance the employability of accounting graduates. The paper contrasts two often-debated, yet nevertheless accepted constructs, generic skills and emotional intelligence. Generic skills incorporate cognitive and behavioural elements such analytic skills and interpersonal skills. Emotion intelligence addresses understanding and managing one's own emotions and the emotions of others. Employers view emotional intelligence as an influential attribute for a successful accounting career, however many accounting academics have not given emotional intelligence the same attention as generic skill. Juxtaposing constructs of generic skills and emotional intelligence highlights areas of commonality and difference. While the behavioural component of generic skills has a number of commonalities with emotional intelligence there are significant areas of emotional intelligence that are not addressed in the current accounting curricula's focus on generic skills.

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