Is there an inverted U‐shaped relationship between job demands and work engagement: The moderating role of social support?

Sawang, Sukanlaya

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of an inverted U‐shaped relationship between job demands and work engagement, and whether social support moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses 307 technical and information technology (IT) managers who responded to an online survey. Multiple regressions are employed to examine linear and curvilinear relationship among variables.

Findings
Overall, results support the applicability of the quadratic effect of job demands on employee engagement. However, only supervisor support, not colleague support, moderated the relationship between job demands and work engagement.

Originality/value
The paper is the first to shed light on the quadratic effect of job demands on work engagement. The findings have noteworthy implications for managers to design optimal job demands that increase employee engagement.

Citation

Sawang, S. (2012). Is there an inverted U‐shaped relationship between job demands and work engagement: The moderating role of social support?. International Journal of Manpower, 33(2), 178-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437721211225426

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: May 4, 2012
• Publication Date: 2012
• Deposit Date: Dec 3, 2024
• Print ISSN: 0143-7720
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 178-186
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/01437721211225426