Ability-based emotional intelligence was assessed with the 30-item Situational Test
of Emotion Management (STEM) developed by MacCann and Roberts (2008). A sample
item reads: ‘Lee’s workmate fails to deliver an important piece of information on time
causing Lee to fall behind schedule also. What action would be the most effective for
Lee?’ The four behavioural alternatives offered with the question are: ‘(a) Work harder
to compensate (0)’; ‘(b) Get angry with the workmate (0)’; ‘(c) Explain the urgency
of the situation to the workmate (1)’; and ‘(d) Never rely on that workmate again (0)’.
The numbers in the parentheses represent the proportion of experts who selected the
option.