Conscientiousness, Social Intelligence and Academic Competence in Pakistani University Students

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between conscientiousness personality trait, social intelligence and academic competence in Pakistani university students. This research was conducted to understand the psychological predictors of academic success especially in the context of developing countries. Correlation research design was used in this study and data was collected from (N=248) participants from Pakistani Government and Private sector universities through non- probability convenient sampling. The information was collected from participants through standardized self-report questionnaires that measures conscientiousness, social intelligence and academic competence. For data analysis, the statistical techniques like correlation and regression analysis were used to determine the relationships between variables and evaluate the predictive effects. Results revealed that conscientiousness and social intelligence showed significant positive correlation with academic competence and both are the significant and positive predictors of academic competence. These findings indicates that students who are more responsible, organized and socially aware have better academic competence and also supports that non-cognitive factors also play an important role in academic outcomes. The practical implications for the current study play an important role for educators, counselors and high institutions. If universities introduce personality development or social skills training program so they can improve academic competence and overall learning experience of students which promotes long term academic and professional success. The major contribution of the study is to investigate the effect on conscientiousness and social intelligence on academic competence in Pakistani university students. This research highlights the importance of non-cognitive factors and to provide evidence based academic and counseling intervention awareness for higher education which improves the success of students.

Keywords:   Conscientiousness, Social Intelligence, Academic Competence, Pakistani, University Students.