Investigating occupational disidentification: a resource loss perspective
Journal of Managerial Psychology
ISSN: 0268-3946
Article publication date: 27 October 2017
Issue publication date: 15 November 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of occupational disidentification through the lens of conservation of resources (COR) theory (Hobfoll, 1989, 1998). Occupational disidentification is conceptualized as a coping strategy, or an investment of resources to cope with poor perceived prestige of the occupation, which represents a threat to an individual’s resource: one’s self-esteem. However, occupational disidentification, as an avoidance coping strategy, generates a loss of cognitive and emotional resources leading to emotional exhaustion and, in turn, departure from the organization.
Design/methodology/approach
The research hypotheses are tested among two samples of employees working in health and social services (Study 1, N=544), and in home care services (Study 2, N=113). Measures of employees’ attitudes were collected at the same time, and turnover was collected 18 months (Study 1) and 12 months (Study 2) later.
Findings
Research hypotheses are all supported. Occupational disidentification partially mediates the occupational prestige-emotional exhaustion relationship, and emotional exhaustion partially mediates the occupational disidentification-turnover intention relationship. Perceived organizational support moderates the negative relationship between perceived occupational prestige and occupational disidentification.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this study is the conceptualization of occupational disidentification within the theoretical framework of COR. In that vein, the study provides: a deeper understanding of the mechanisms explaining and buffering occupational disidentification, and empirical evidence of the key role of emotional exhaustion to explain the consequences of occupational disidentification.
Keywords
Citation
Bentein, K., Guerrero, S., Jourdain, G. and Chênevert, D. (2017), "Investigating occupational disidentification: a resource loss perspective", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 32 No. 8, pp. 530-546. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-01-2016-0015
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited