Psychometric testing company Thomas International has unveiled an assessment tool to measure emotional competence in the workplace.

Emotional intelligence is a person's capacity to understand and control their own emotions, and recognise and manage those of others so that they and others around them can be as effective and productive as possible at work. The new 153-question EI questionnaire (EIQ) takes 20 to 25 minutes to complete.

"Emotion and behaviour have a massive impact on an individual's, as well as an organisation's, performance," said Martin Reed, Thomas International chairman and CEO. "EIQ means we are now able to offer a comprehensive view of a person in work - their personality, behaviour and ability."

Thomas said the EIQ is underpinned by major research conducted through the Institute of Education, University of London, and University College London.

Also being launched this summer by the firm are several enhancements of existing products. These include an online version of its TST aptitude and ability tests, a training module for its Skills Online-Skills Testing offering, and a Driver Assessment Report that looks at the behavioural characteristics linked to high-risk driving.

Reed said the company intends to give its clients a variety of choices for one-stop assessment shopping. "My objective is to provide clients with a whole range of different assessments," he added. To provide the latest products and enhancements, Reed said the company has done "a lot more partnering with specialist firms".

Additions to the Thomas International arsenal of products come as competition in the testing field hots up. Competitor SHL recently unveiled a new tool intended to solve the problem of potential dishonesty in remote tests.