Self-control and emotional intelligence as predictors of time management behaviour among employees of a Nigerian University

Abstract

The wise use of time is a skilful practice required by everyone, especially workers, because it enhances efficient performance of tasks, helps maintain a positive personality outlook, reduces chaos, stress and work pressures, and results in the quick attainment of personal goals, among many other benefits. However, many workers are not adept at time management leading to unnecessary work pressures and work-family conflicts. This study, therefore, looked at the independent and joint predictors of self-control and emotional intelligence on the time management behaviour of the staff of a Nigerian university. It also investigated the mean differences in the time management behaviour of male and female employees, on one hand, and older versus younger employees, on the other. Three instruments: Brief Self-Control Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Time Management Scale were used in this study for data collection. The obtained results found support for the independent prediction of self-control           (β= .56, t= 15.07, p< .05) and the joint prediction of both predictor variables on time management behaviour (F [2, 498] = 119.02, R² = .32, ∆R²= .32, p< .05). There was a significant mean difference between males (Mean= 47.57) and females (Mean= 49.30) on time management behaviour [t(499) = 1.17, p< .05)]. Also, there was a mean difference between younger workers (Mean = 44.66) and older employees (Mean= 54.46) on time management behaviour (t= 12.38, df= 499, p< .05). Therefore, it is recommended that workers should develop these valued human factors to help them live a fulfilled and well balanced life.