Emotional Intelligence as a Crucial Skill for the Next Generation: Cluster Analysis of Czech University Students

Abstract

This paper aims to map the level of emotional intelligence (EI) among Czech university students. The questionnaire survey conducted among 161 Czech students in December 2023 was based on Goleman’s EI test. He divided EI into five essential competencies: self-awareness, managing emotions, motivating oneself, empathy and social skills. Using cluster analysis, students were further divided into three groups based on their self-assessment in the five listed categories. The relevance of individual competencies was also compared with employers’ requirements for career skills. This analysis was based on a survey carried out as part of the World Economic Forum in 2023. From the overall assessment, it can be concluded that future employees (current students) feel most strongly about self-awareness and empathy. On the other hand, they should set self-motivation, social skills, and emotional management as development priorities within EI.