Monica Molino, Claudio G. Cortese, Arnold B. Bakker and Chiara Ghislieri
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of four recovery experiences (psychological detachment from work, relaxation, mastery, and control) in preventing work-family…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of four recovery experiences (psychological detachment from work, relaxation, mastery, and control) in preventing work-family conflict (WFC). Specifically, on the basis of WFC and recovery theories the authors hypothesized that workload would be positively related to WFC, and that recovery experiences would moderate this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The research involved 597 Italian employees (on pay-role or self-employed) from different occupational sectors. Participants filled-in an on-line questionnaire. Moderated structural equation modelling were used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
Results showed a positive relationship of workload with WFC. Regarding the hypothesized interaction effects, the relationship between workload and WFC was particularly strong under condition of low (vs high) psychological detachment, low relaxation, and low control.
Originality/value
This study highlights the beneficial role of recovery experiences in preventing the spillover of workload to the family domain, showing their moderating effects for the first time. These findings have several implications for both future research and practitioners.
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Monica Molino, Chiara Ghislieri and Claudio G. Cortese
Several studies have pointed out the importance of work‐family enrichment (WFE) for individuals' well‐being and organizations and for this reason, it seems important to understand…
Abstract
Purpose
Several studies have pointed out the importance of work‐family enrichment (WFE) for individuals' well‐being and organizations and for this reason, it seems important to understand how organizations may promote it. This study attempts to understand the role of organizational resources and, particularly, of opportunities for professional development (OPD), in promoting WFE. Specifically, it aims to test the mediation role of OPD between job resources (supervisor and colleague support, job security) and WFE.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted using a self‐report questionnaire administered to 353 employees and self‐employed workers from different occupational sectors.
Findings
Filling a gap in the literature, the results showed that two job resources (supervisor support and job security) increase OPD which, in turn, mediates the relationship between the two job resources and WFE. Colleague support showed only a direct positive effect on WFE.
Research limitations/implications
The first limitation of this research concerns the cross‐sectional design of the study, due to which no causal conclusions can be drawn. Moreover, future research might integrate some job demands and additional job resources into the model. Finally, regarding OPD, it is necessary to improve both understanding and measurement of this construct.
Practical implications
Based on the study's findings, organizations are encouraged to improve opportunities for job training and professional development, with important benefits for individuals, in terms of quality of work and life, and for organizations, in terms of better job attitudes and performance. Moreover, with regard to job security, more protection should be given to workers in order to enhance the quality of workplace learning and extra‐work life.
Originality/value
This study highlights the importance of integrating OPD into work‐family studies, demonstrating their role in enhancing the quality of life in the family domain. Furthermore, this study is one of the first to focus on job security as a significant resource in promoting professional development.
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Emanuela Caracuzzo, Andrea Caputo, Antonino Callea, Claudio Giovanni Cortese and Flavio Urbini
Playful work design (PWD) is a set of proactive strategies implementing fun and self-challenge at work to actively create better work conditions. Following the job…
Abstract
Purpose
Playful work design (PWD) is a set of proactive strategies implementing fun and self-challenge at work to actively create better work conditions. Following the job demands-resources theory, this study aims to investigate the effects of PWD’s dimensions – i.e. “designing fun” and “designing competition” – on task and contextual performance (Study 1) and on the dimensions of organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) – i.e. altruism, conscientiousness and civic virtue (Study 2). Furthermore, the present research investigates the mediating role of work engagement (WE) for both studies.
Design/methodology/approach
Two samples of 339 and 141 Italian workers participated by filling in a self-report questionnaire. Measuring models and hypotheses have been tested by structural equation models.
Findings
Results suggest that WE partially mediates the relationship of the “designing competition” subdimension of PWD with task and contextual performance (Study 1) and with conscientiousness and civic virtue of OCBs, while “designing fun” shows a positive direct relationship only with altruism (Study 2).
Originality/value
This paper contributes to expanding knowledge about PWD’s effectiveness in facilitating performance and positive behaviors. Furthermore, it disentangles the different effects of PWD’s dimensions on performance. In light of the results, both employees and managers should be aware of the beneficial consequences of introducing fun and self-competitiveness when completing their own work activities.
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Guendalina Graffigna, Chiara Libreri and Claudio Bosio
The meanings attributed to the quality of a person's illness experience result from important processes of co‐construction not only between healthcare professionals and patients…
Abstract
Purpose
The meanings attributed to the quality of a person's illness experience result from important processes of co‐construction not only between healthcare professionals and patients but also among patients and caregivers. In the case of advanced cancer, new treatments extend patients’ lives but they raise the problem of the quality of this “renewed time”. Lay contexts of exchanges appear crucial for orienting the attribution of meaning to the time with cancer and for sharing practices to manage it. Furthermore, the internet is becoming an important space in which cancer patients meet and construct knowledge regarding their illness. The aim of this paper is to study knowledge‐ and practice‐construction among advanced cancer patients and caregivers, and to explore the suitability of online forums for analysis of these processes.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper discusses the results of a qualitative study based on one online forum for long‐term cancer patients (second relapse) and one for caregivers. The discussions explored show how patients and caregivers attribute meanings to their time with cancer. Verbatim transcripts of the discussions were analyzed according to the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) procedure.
Findings
The findings suggest the system of medical representations regarding health and illness should take greater account of other (lay) systems of representations and that the internet could be a valuable resource to support the development of spontaneous networks of patient and caregivers through which to organize health interventions and to involve patients and caregivers more closely in the care and cure process.
Research limitations/implications
The study examines the experiences of a particular subset of patients/caregivers who were internet‐literate and might be considered more “active” in their coping with the disease over a fairly limited time span. These potential limitations are being remedied in continuing research projects.
Practical implications
The authors’ experience with this research design suggests qualitative research may be particularly valuable in casting light on emergent phenomena such as spontaneous social networks on the internet, and in encouraging more participative forms of research engagement.
Originality/value
These findings may orient therapeutic interventions to be more closely attuned to the needs of long‐term cancer patients and their caregivers. Online forums enable participants to disclose experiences, share knowledge, and co‐construct “good practices” for illness management.
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Giulio Cascone, Giancarlo Tuccio and Giuseppe Timpanaro
In the current landscape of the beverage market, craft beer has secured a prominent position, attracting consumers seeking high-quality products with distinctive characteristics…
Abstract
Purpose
In the current landscape of the beverage market, craft beer has secured a prominent position, attracting consumers seeking high-quality products with distinctive characteristics. This study aims to identify the key drivers of consumer preferences for craft beer attributes.
Design/methodology/approach
Conjoint analysis and cluster segmentation were employed to analyze the preferences of 351 Italian craft beer consumers.
Findings
The preferences of a representative sample were analyzed to identify the utilities associated with various beer attributes, including colour, alcohol level, body, raw material origin and price. The findings indicate that colour is the most highly valued attribute, followed by price and alcohol level. Consumers prefer beers with a lighter colour, a moderate alcohol level between 5 and 7% and an affordable price. Furthermore, beers that emphasize the Italian origin of raw materials are appreciated, demonstrating a strong link with local identity. The segmentation of the sample into three clusters revealed significant differences in preferences. The first cluster preferred light beers at medium prices, the second for amber beers at low prices and the third opted for dark and full-bodied beers.
Originality/value
The findings of this study provide valuable insights for craft beer producers seeking to refine their marketing strategies and product development. Producers can better meet consumers’ evolving preferences by better understanding the diverse needs of consumers and optimizing their offerings in an increasingly competitive market.