Being engaged when resources are low: A multi-source study of selective optimization with compensation at work

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Authors

This study examined self-regulation in the form of selective optimization with compensation (SOC) atwork as a moderator of the relationships of job control (as a job resource) and feeling recovered and energized in the morning (as a personal energy resource) with self- and coworkerrated work engagement. SOC was hypothesized to offset low levels of job control and low levels of personal energy. Based on a sample of 405 public-service employees in Germany, including a multi-source subsample of 141 employees and their respective coworkers, the results showed that SOC use moderated the relationship between the level of personal energy and self-ratings as well as coworker ratings of work engagement such that SOC mitigated low levels of personal energy. SOC at work did not offset low job control. The results suggest that using SOC is particularly important when employees lack energy. SOC strategies should, therefore, be fostered by managers and organizations.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior
Volume91
Pages (from-to)97-105
Number of pages9
ISSN0001-8791
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.12.2015
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Health sciences - Being recovered in the morning, Job control, Personal energy, Selective optimization with compensation, Work engagement
  • Business psychology