Journey from passion to satisfaction: roles of belongingness and psychological empowerment: A study on social workers

Abstract

Purpose

The present research work is intended to investigate the work passion and job satisfaction relationship of social workers in Delhi/NCR and examine the influence of belongingness and psychological empowerment on the association. The study has used self-determination theory to support the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the standardized instruments to assess the relationship. Statistical tools such as SEM, convergent and discriminant validity, reliability, and moderated regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study found that psychological empowerment and belonging moderated the association between passion and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

HR managers and practitioners should promote a culture of openness, empowerment, collectivism, and meaningful work to ensure the fulfillment of psychological needs of the social workers.

Social implications

The fulfillment of psychological needs can become a significant motivator for the social workers as due to political and administrative constraints, giving financial incentives or introducing variable financial pay would not be possible.

Originality/value

The authors were not able to locate any paper exploring the relationship between work passion and job satisfaction of social workers. The present research work proposes that there are certain psychological needs, which can be fulfilled other than monetary needs in order to motivate social workers for their work.

Citation

Pathak, D. and Srivastava, S. (2020), "Journey from passion to satisfaction: roles of belongingness and psychological empowerment: A study on social workers", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 40 No. 3/4, pp. 321-341. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-11-2019-0237