Self-efficacy and work engagement: Test of a chain model
Date
2017
Authors
Chan, Carys
Kalliath, Thomas
Brough, Paula
O’Driscoll, Michael
Siu, Oi-Ling
Timms, Carolyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Publishing Limited
Abstract
Purpose – This study investigates the mediating roles of work and family demands and work–life balance on the relationship between self-efficacy (to regulate work and life) and work engagement. Specifically, it seeks to explain how self-efficacy influences employees’ thought
patterns and emotional reactions, which in turn enable them to cope with work and family demands, and ultimately achieve work–life balance and work engagement.
Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modelling (SEM) of survey data obtained from a heterogeneous sample of 1,010 Australian employees is used to test the hypothesised chain mediation model.
Findings – The SEM results support the hypothesised model. Self-efficacy was significantly and negatively related to work and family demands, which in turn were negatively associated with work–life balance. Work–life balance, in turn, enabled employees to be engaged in their work.
Research limitations/implications – The findings support the key tenets of social cognitive theory and conservation of resources (COR) theory and demonstrate how self-efficacy can lead to work–life balance and engagement despite the presence of role demands. Study limitations (e.g., cross-sectional research design) and future research directions are discussed.
Originality/value – This study incorporates COR theory with social cognitive theory to improve understanding of how self-efficacy enhances work–life balance and work engagement through a self-fulfilling cycle in which employees achieve what they believe they can accomplish, and in the process, build other skills and personal resources to manage work and family challenges.
Description
Keywords
Work engagement, work-life balance, Work psychology, Human resource management, self-efficacy, Role demands
Citation
Collections
Source
International Journal of Manpower
Type
Journal article
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
Open Access
License Rights
Restricted until
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