Evangelia Demerouti, Arnold B. Bakker and Yitzhak Fried
This study aims to examine the role of instrumental vs intrinsic work orientations in the job demands‐resources (JD‐R) model.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of instrumental vs intrinsic work orientations in the job demands‐resources (JD‐R) model.
Design/methodology
Using a sample of 123 employees, the authors investigated longitudinally whether an instrumental work orientation moderates the motivational process, and mediates the health impairment process in the JD‐R model.
Findings
Regression analyses revealed that an increase in job resources over time was particularly beneficial for experienced flow at Time 2 among employees holding an instrumental (vs intrinsic) work orientation. In addition, structural equation modeling analyses showed that work pressure was reciprocal with need for recovery, which was reciprocal with instrumental work orientation.
Research limitations/implications
Findings suggest that work orientation should be integrated in research linking work characteristics with motivational and health impairment processes.
Practical implications
Organizations should avoid placing overly high demands on their employees as these not only impair employees' health, but also change their orientation towards work.
Social implications
Organizations can contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and society by designing jobs that provide affordable demands and sufficient resources.
Originality/value
The present study successfully integrated work orientations in the JD‐R model.