EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND SUPPORTIVE LEADERSHIP STYLE AS PREDICTORS OF SECURITY JOB COMMITMENT AND THE MODERATION ROLE OF AGE AMONG NSCDC AGRO-RANGERS SECURITY OPERATION OFFICERS

Abstract

Security job commitment is a degree and amount of response, sincerity and energy binding in performing security
work by agro ranger unit of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operation officers. This study
examined emotional intelligence and supportive leadership style as predictors of security job commitment and the
moderation role of age among agro-ranger NSCDC officers. Work Commitment theory guided this study and survey
research design was utilized to achieve the objectives. Two hundred and ten NSCDC agro-rangers operation officers
were recruited. They were randomly selected from six zones of agro-rangers units in Oyo state using a multistage
sampling technique. Ages ranged from 26-47 years with a mean score of ( x 31.21; SD 7.96). Instruments for data
collection were a security attitude survey (α=0.93), EI scale (α=0.92) and supportive leadership scale (α=0.75).
Hypotheses were analyzed through PPMC, independent t-test and multiple and hierarchical regressions at p≤0.05. A
positive relationship was observed between EI and security job commitment (r = .33 *** ), while supportive leadership
style was inversely related to security job commitment (r = -.20 *** ). EI and supportive leadership independently and
jointly predict security job commitment [R=0.50; R 2 =.25; F (6,193) =10.95]. EI (β = 0.50 *** ), supportive leadership style (β =
-0.41 *** ). Officers with high EI were more committed to security jobs compared to those with low EI. Age was found not
to have ameliorated the relationship between EI and security job commitment attitude. Therefore, the Ministry of the
Interior should embark on EI training for agro-ranger (NSCDC) officers. Maximum consideration for high EI in the
future recruitment of NSCDC officers. Future researchers can explore more factors related to security job
commitment.
Keywords: Security Job Commitment, Emotion Intelligence, Supportive Leadership Style, Agro-ranger (NSCDC)
officer.