An organic EL element comprising; an anode, a cathode, and an organic layer sandwiched therebetween containing at least an emitting layer, wherein a ratio, [In3d.sub.5/2].sub.h/[In3d.sub.5/2].sub.n, is from 0.9 to 1.2 wherein [In3d.sub.5/2].sub.h is the half band width of a spectral peak derived from a 3d.sub.5/2 orbit of an In atom in the surface of the anode, and [In3d.sub.5/2].sub.n is the half band width of a spectral peak derived from a 3d.sub.5/2 orbit of an In atom in the interior of the anode, the spectral peaks being measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS): and the method for the production thereof.