The Construct of Job Insecurity at Multiple Levels: Implications for Its Conceptualization and Theory Development.

Over the years, job insecurity has accumulated important scholarly work. As a result, research has identified multiple constructs that involve employees' concerns about job loss. Most of these are individual-level constructs (e.g., subjective and objective job insecurity), but, recently, an incipient body of literature has adopted a multilevel perspective by understanding job insecurity as a collective phenomenon (e.g., job insecurity climate, strength climate, downsizing or temporary hiring strategies). Furthermore, these constructs at different levels are underpinned by shared theoretical frameworks, such as stress theory or psychological contract theory. However, all this literature fails to present an integrative framework that contains the functional relationship for mapping job insecurity constructs across levels. Accordingly, the present study aims to examine job insecurity from a multilevel perspective, specifically by conceptualizing job insecurity at the individual level-understood as subjective and objective job insecurity-and at the organizational level, understood as job instability in an organization, job insecurity climate, and climate strength. The methodology of multilevel construct validation proposed by Chen, Mathieu and Bliese (2005) was applied; thus, (1) job insecurity were defined at each relevant level of analysis; (2) its nature and structure was specified at higher levels of analysis; (3) psychometric properties were tested across and/or at different levels of analysis; (4) the extent to which job insecurity varies between levels of analysis was estimated; and (5) the function of job insecurity was tested across different levels of analysis. The results showed significant relationships among these, and were related to an organizational antecedent (e.g., organization nature) and organizational and individual outcomes (collective and individual job satisfaction) in two European samples: Austria and Spain. Accordingly, this study exposed the multilevel validity of job insecurity constructs through an integrative framework in order to advance in the area of job insecurity theory and practice. The contributions and implications to job insecurity research and other multilevel research are discussed.

Human resource practices and employee wellbeing from a gender perspective: The role of organizational justice / Prácticas de recursos humanos y bienestar de los empleados desde una perspectiva de género: el papel de la justicia organizacional

Abstract Introduction/objective: HR practices have been widely studied in the literature. However, critical research gaps remain unexplored. Little attention has been paid to the relationship between HR practices and well-being, or the mechanisms that explain the effect of HR on employees' wellbeing, and the role of gender in this relationship. Hence, this study aims to examine the relationship between HR practices and well-being (eudemonic and hedonic) through organizational justice, taking into account gender. Method: A convenience sampling technique was used in a correlational design. The sample was composed of 1647 employees from 42 Spanish organizations. Our measures were HR practices, organizational justice, and hedonic and eudemonic wellbeing. Multi-group structural equation models were computed. Results: The results supported our hypothesis, which mainly stated that (1) organizational justice (distributive, procedural and interactional justice) mediated the relationship between HR practices and eudemonic and hedonic well-being; (2) there were differences between men and women in this mediation. Conclusions: Human resource practices and organizational justice offer tools to HR managers in order to maintain and improve employees' well-being levels within their organizations.

Resumen Introducción/objetivo: Las prácticas de recursos humanos (RRHH) han sido ampliamente estudiadas en la literatura. Sin embargo, existen importantes carencias de investigación al respecto. Por ejemplo, se ha prestado poca atención a la relación entre las prácticas de RRHH y el bienestar, al mecanismo que explica el efecto de los RRHH en los empleados, y se ha pasado por alto el papel del género en las prácticas de RRHH. Por tanto, este estudio se dirige a examinar la relación entre las prácticas de RRHH y el bienestar (eudemónico y hedónico) por medio de la justicia organizacional, teniendo en cuenta el género. Método: Se utilizó un muestreo por conveniencia en un diseño correlacional. La muestra se compuso de 1647 trabajadores de 42 organizaciones españolas. Los instrumentos utilizados midieron prácticas de RRHH, justicia organizacional, y bienestar hedónico y eudemonico. Se realizaron modelos de ecuaciones estructurales multigrupo. Resultados: Los resultados confirmaron nuestras hipótesis, que afirmaban principalmente que (1) la justicia organizacional (justicia distributiva, de procedimiento e interactiva) mediaba la relación entre las prácticas de RRHH y el bienestar eudemónico y hedónico; (2) hay diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en esta mediación. Conclusiones: Las prácticas de RRHH y la justicia organizacional ofrecen herramientas a los directores de RRHH sobre cómo actuar para mantener y mejorar los niveles de bienestar de los empleados dentro de sus organizaciones.

Job insecurity and performance: the mediating role of organizational justice in terms of type of contract / Inseguridad y Desempeño Laboral: el Papel Mediador de la Justicia Organizacional Considerando el Tipo de Contrato

BACKGROUND: Job insecurity has been widely researched. However, there have been inconsistent results about the association between job insecurity and job performance. This study proposed a multi-group mediation model to explain the underlying mechanisms of this relationship according to psychological contract and social exchange theory. METHOD: Data were collected through a survey. The sample was composed of 1,435 employees in 138 organizations from two European countries (i.e. Spain and Austria). RESULTS: Results showed that job insecurity was indirectly related to OCB and self-rated performance through the three types of organizational justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional justice); and these relationships varied depending on the type of contract. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between job insecurity and performance by clarifying underlying mechanisms according to the type of contract

ANTECEDENTES: la inseguridad laboral ha sido ampliamente estudiada en la investigación. Sin embargo, esta presenta resultados inconsistentes sobre la asociación entre la inseguridad laboral y el desempeño laboral. Este estudio propuso un modelo de mediación multigrupo para explicar los mecanismos subyacentes de esta relación de acuerdo con el contrato psicológico y la teoría del intercambio social. MÉTODO: los datos fueron recogidos a través de un cuestionario. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 1.435 empleados de 138 organizaciones de dos países europeos (España y Austria). RESULTADOS: los resultados mostraron que la inseguridad laboral estaba indirectamente relacionada con OCB y el desempeño auto-evaluado, a través de los tres tipos de justicia organizacional (justicia distributiva, procesal e interactiva); y que estas relaciones variaban en función del tipo de contrato. CONCLUSIONES: este estudio contribuye a comprender mejor la relación entre la inseguridad laboral y el desempeño laboral al aclarar los mecanismos subyacentes considerando el tipo de contrato

Job Insecurity and Performance: The Mediating Role of Organizational Justice in terms of Type of Contract.

BACKGROUND: Job insecurity has been widely researched. However, there have been inconsistent results about the association between job insecurity and job performance. This study proposed a multi-group mediation model to explain the underlying mechanisms of this relationship according to psychological contract and social exchange theory. METHOD: Data were collected through a survey. The sample was composed of 1,435 employees in 138 organizations from two European countries (i.e. Spain and Austria). RESULTS: Results showed that job insecurity was indirectly related to OCB and self-rated performance through the three types of organizational justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional justice); and these relationships varied depending on the type of contract. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between job insecurity and performance by clarifying underlying mechanisms according to the type of contract.

Longitudinal relationships between job satisfaction and creative performance: a three-wave cross-lagged panel design / Relações longitudinais entre satisfação no trabalho e desempenho criativo: um projeto de painel com três ondas cruzadas / Relaciones longitudinales entre la satisfacción laboral y el desempeño creativo: diseño de panel de correlaciones cruzadas, con tres momentos temporales

Despite the assumption about the positive relationship between wellbeing and performance within the happy and productive worker thesis (HPWT), the matter is still under discussion due to inconclusive results. To better understand the link between wellbeing and performance and delineate their possible causal relationships, it is necessary to conduct longitudinal studies with data collection at different moments, as well as broaden the focus by considering different types of wellbeing and performance. To achieve this, the authors of this study analyzed the relationship between intrinsic (IJS) and extrinsic job satisfaction (EJS) with creative performance. The design consisted of a three-time cross-lagged panel design since it permits analyzation of the reciprocal and longitudinal relationship between two or more variables. Our sample was composed of 209 employees from nine different organizations in Spain. The results demonstrated that only IJS predicted creative performance at one of the time intervals. The conclusions were: 1) the relationship between IJS and creative performance might be spurious, 2) it is important to consider IJS and EJS separately because they yield differential results, 3) the relationship between IJS and creative performance is not reciprocal, and 4) it is necessary to increase longitudinal studies in the field.

Apesar do pressuposto sobre a relação positiva entre bem-estar e desempenho dentro da Tese do Trabalhador Feliz e Produtivo (happy and productive worker thesis - HPWT), o assunto ainda está em discussão devido aos resultados inconclusivos. Para melhor compreender a relação entre bem-estar e desempenho e delinear suas possíveis relações causais, é necessário realizar estudos longitudinais com coleta de dados em diferentes momentos, bem como ampliar o foco considerando diferentes tipos de bem-estar e desempenho. Para alcançar este objetivo, os autores deste estudo analisaram a relação entre satisfação intrínseca (intrinsic job satisfaction - IJS) e extrínseca no trabalho (extrinsic job satisfaction - EJS) com o desempenho criativo. O desenho consistiu em um projeto de painel com retardo cruzado de três ondas, uma vez que permite a análise da relação recíproca e longitudinal entre duas ou mais variáveis. Nossa amostra foi composta por 209 funcionários de nove organizações diferentes na Espanha. Os resultados demonstraram que apenas IJS previu desempenho criativo em um dos intervalos de tempo. As conclusões foram: 1) a relação entre IJS e desempenho criativo pode ser espuria, 2) é importante considerar IJS e EJS separadamente porque eles produzem resultados diferenciais, 3) a relação entre IJS e desempenho criativo não é recíproca e 4) é necessário aumentar os estudos longitudinais na área.

A pesar de la suposición sobre la relación positiva entre el bienestar y el desempeño dentro de la tesis del trabajador feliz y productivo (happy and productive worker thesis - HPWT), el tema aún está en discusión debido a resultados no concluyentes. Para comprender mejor el vínculo entre bienestar y desempeño y delinear sus posibles relaciones causales, es necesario realizar estudios longitudinales con recolección de datos en diferentes momentos, así como ampliar el enfoque considerando diferentes tipos de bienestar y desempeño. Para lograrlo, los autores de este estudio analizaron la relación entre la satisfacción laboral intrínseca (intrinsic job satisfaction - IJS) y extrínseca (extrinsic job satisfaction - EJS) con el desempeño creativo. Se utilizó un diseño de panel de correlaciones cruzadas, con tres momentos temporales, ya que permite el análisis de la relación recíproca y longitudinal entre dos o más variables. Nuestra muestra estuvo compuesta por 209 empleados de nueve organizaciones diferentes en España. Los resultados demostraron que solo IJS predijo el rendimiento creativo en uno de los intervalos de tiempo. Las conclusiones fueron: 1) la relación entre IJS y el desempeño creativo podría ser espuria, 2) es importante considerar IJS y EJS por separado porque producen resultados diferenciales, 3) la relación entre IJS y el desempeño creativo no es recíproca, y 4) es necesario incrementar los estudios longitudinales en el campo.

Validation of a Short Form of Job Crafting Scale in a Spanish Sample.

Applications of job crafting are widespread in the professional practice. In an attempt to measure this phenomenon, Tims, Bakker and Derks (2012) developed a Job Crafting Scale based on the Job Demand-Resources model (JD-R) and validated it in a Dutch sample. However, its application to other cultural contexts presented some difficulties. The present work aimed to validate a shorter version of scale by Tims et al. (2012) in a Spanish sample (n = 1,647). The data were randomly split in two independent subsamples (Sample 1: Explorative; Sample 2: Confirmative). The exploratory factor analysis showed a three-factor structure. Through a confirmatory factor analysis, the four-dimensionality structure of the original scale was replicated. In fact, the four-factor solution presented better goodness of fit indices than the alternative one-factor model, χ2(48) = 192.70, p < .01; AGFI = .94; NNFI = .93; RMR = .05; RMSEA = .06. Alpha reliabilities were acceptable for increasing structural job resources (α = .75), decreasing hindering job demands (α = .64), increasing social job resources (α = .78) and increasing challenging job demands (α = .77). Convergent validity was appropriate for three of the four dimensions, because each construct's AVE were around .50 and each construct's Composite Reliability were around .70. Decreasing hindering job demands presented more limited values (CR = .65; AVE = .40). In addition, the four job crafting dimensions presented significant correlations with job performance (range -.09 to .42) and personal growth (ranging from -.09 to .45). Finally, the squared correlations between factors were lower than the square root of AVE, which confirmed discriminant validity.

Validation of a short form of job crafting scale in a Spanish sample

Applications of job crafting are widespread in the professional practice. In an attempt to measure this phenomenon, Tims, Bakker and Derks (2012) developed a Job Crafting Scale based on the Job Demand-Resources model (JD-R) and validated it in a Dutch sample. However, its application to other cultural contexts presented some difficulties. The present work aimed to validate a shorter version of scale by Tims et al. (2012) in a Spanish sample (n = 1,647). The data were randomly split in two independent subsamples (Sample 1: Explorative; Sample 2: Confirmative). The exploratory factor analysis showed a three-factor structure. Through a confirmatory factor analysis, the four-dimensionality structure of the original scale was replicated. In fact, the four-factor solution presented better goodness of fit indices than the alternative one-factor model, χ2(48) = 192.70, p < .01; AGFI = .94; NNFI = .93; RMR = .05; RMSEA = .06. Alpha reliabilities were acceptable for increasing structural job resources (α = .75), decreasing hindering job demands (α = .64), increasing social job resources (α = .78) and increasing challenging job demands (α = .77). Convergent validity was appropriate for three of the four dimensions, because each construct's AVE were around .50 and each construct's Composite Reliability were around .70. Decreasing hindering job demands presented more limited values (CR = .65; AVE = .40). In addition, the four job crafting dimensions presented significant correlations with job performance (range -.09 to .42) and personal growth (ranging from -.09 to .45). Finally, the squared correlations between factors were lower than the square root of AVE, which confirmed discriminant validity

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The Work Design Questionnaire: spanish version and validation / Validación española del Work Design Questionnaire

The purpose of this study is to validate the Spanish version of the Work Design Questionnaire (WDQ; Morgeson & Humphrey, 2006). Employees from three Colombian samples completed the questionnaire (N=831). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed a 21-factor structure (χ2/df ratio = 2.40, SRMR = .06, RMSEA = .04, CFI = .90) with adequate levels of convergent and discriminant validity. Additional support for construct validity was found from significant differences among different occupational groups (professional and nonprofessional, health-focused, commercial, and manufacturing workers). Furthermore, knowledge, social, and work context characteristics showed incremental validity over task characteristics on job satisfaction and perceived performance. Possible interpretations of these relationships are offered. It is concluded that the study provides evidence for the validity of a Spanish version of the scale, and presents further support for the generalization of the 21-factor structure of work design characteristics in different cultural settings (AU)

El propósito de este estudio es validar la versión española del Work Design Questionnaire (WDQ; Morgeson y Humphrey, 2006). Tres muestras de empleados colombianos completaron el cuestionario (N=831). El análisis factorial confirmatorio reveló una estructura de 21 factores (razón χ2/gl = 2.40, SRMR = .06, RMSEA = .04, CFI = .90) con adecuados niveles de validez convergente y discriminante. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre diferentes grupos ocupacionales (profesionales, no profesionales, trabajadores de la salud, comerciales y de producción). También se encontró que las características del conocimiento, sociales y contextuales aportaron validez incremental sobre la satisfacción laboral y el desempeño percibido. Se ofrecen posibles interpretaciones de estas relaciones. Se concluye que el estudio proporciona evidencia suficiente sobre la validez de la versión española de la escala, lo que presenta más apoyo para la generalización de la estructura del modelo de características del trabajo de 21 factores en diferentes contextos culturales (AU)

La inseguridad laboral y sus consecuencias en un contexto de crisis económica / Job insecurity and its consequences in the context of an economic crisis

La inseguridad laboral se ha convertido en la actualidad en una de las fuentes de estrés más significativas para muchos trabajadores, siendo especialmente grave en España por las elevadas tasas de desempleo en este periodo de crisis económica. Una prolífera investigación se ha desarrollado al respecto en un intento por alcanzar un conocimiento más completo de este fenómeno. El Instituto de Psicología de los Recursos Humanos, Desarrollo Organizacional y Calidad de Vida Laboral (IDOCAL) ha contribuido a esta investigación en los últimos años en varias de sus facetas más significativas. En el ámbito de sus factores determinantes se ha identificado un papel significativo de la antigüedad laboral, la empleabilidad en el mercado laboral, el subempleo, y la autoeficacia laboral. Además se han realizado hallazgos de interés en relación con la diversidad de los tipos de contrato, la inseguridad laboral y sus efectos en los trabajadores. Son de especial interés los estudios que analizan el papel interviniente de distintas variables. En este contexto, nuestros estudios han puesto de manifiesto la relevancia de variables como la justicia organizacional, el clima de justicia organizacional, el apoyo organizacional, la empleabilidad, la dependencia laboral y el distanciamiento psicológico a la hora de predecir la variabilidad en la inseguridad laboral. Por último, las aportaciones del IDOCAL han sido especialmente relevantes al plantear el análisis de la inseguridad laboral como fenómeno colectivo y mostrar cómo la experiencia colectiva de la inseguridad tenía repercusiones sobre el bienestar de los trabajadores más allá de las producidas por sus percepciones individuales. En base a esta investigación se han propuesto en el presente artículo una serie de implicaciones para la práctica profesional

Currently job insecurity has become one of the most relevant sources of stress for workers. It is especially serious in Spain due to its high unemployment rates in this period of crisis. An important body of research has been developed in an attempt to better understand this phenomenon. In the last years, the Institute of Human Resources Psychology, Organizational Development and Quality of Working Life (IDOCAL) has contributed to various of the most determinant dimensions of the research on job insecurity. In the field of its determinants, tenure, employability in the labor market, underemployment, and job self-efficacy have been identified. Furthermore, it has advance in the research on the diversity of the types of contracts, job insecurity and its effects for workers. The works that examines the role of the intervening factors is especially relevant. In this context, our research have identified that factors as organizational justice, organizational justice climate, organizational support, employability, labor dependence and psychological distancing explained the variability in job insecurity. Finally, IDOCAL’s contributions has been especially important to examine job insecurity as a collective phenomenon and showed how it could affect employees’ outcomes beyond and above their individual perceptions. In basis of this research, a set of practical implications has been developed in this work

Consequences of job insecurity and the moderator role of occupational group.

In recent decades, transformations in organizations and the labour market have produced an increase in employee job insecurity. In response to this situation, workers present different negative reactions. However, the intensity of these reactions varies across studies that have investigated the outcomes of job insecurity. One possible explanation for this inconsistency may lie in the influence of other factors, such as the occupational group (Sverke et al., 2002). The aim of this study is to provide additional evidence about the relationship between job insecurity and its outcomes (i.e., life satisfaction, job satisfaction, perceived performance and organizational commitment), and examine the moderator role of occupational group in this relationship. The sample was composed of 321 employees from different Spanish organizations. The results showed that job insecurity was directly and negatively related to life satisfaction, job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and they suggest that occupational group moderated relations between job insecurity and three studied outcomes. In the case of life satisfaction and perceived performance, this relationship was stronger among blue collar workers. The relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction was stronger in white collar workers. The implications and limitations of this study are discussed.

Psychological climate, sickness absence and gender / Clima psicológico, absentismo y género

We examined whether the relationship between psychological climate and sickness absence is moderated by gender. We expected that this relationship would be stronger among men than among women. We tested this general hypothesis using two samples of men and women nurses (made up of 114 and 189 subjects, respectively). The results obtained supported our expectation. The three climate facets considered (support, goals orientation and rules orientation) showed a significant relationship with sickness absence in the men sample, but not in the women sample

Se investigó si la relación entre clima psicológico y absentismo por enfermedad está moderada por el género de los empleados. Se esperaba que la relación fuera más fuerte en hombres que en mujeres. Esta hipótesis general se puso a prueba utilizando dos muestras de enfermeros/as formadas por 114 varones y 189 mujeres. Los resultados obtenidos respaldaron nuestra hipótesis general. Las tres dimensiones de clima consideradas (apoyo, orientación hacia objetivos y orientación hacia reglas) mostraron una relación estadísticamente significativa con absentismo en la muestra de varones, pero no en la de mujeres

Efectos de la presión temporal sobre la cohesión grupal en diferentes tipos de tareas y en diferentes canales de comunicación / Effects of time pressure on group cohesiveness in different task types and communication media

En este trabajo se pretenden estudiar los efectos de la presión temporal sobre la cohesión grupal en grupos que trabajan en la realización de tareas de distinta naturaleza y a través de diversos canales de comunicación. Para ello se llevó a cabo un experimento con 124 sujetos, que fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en grupos de 4 personas en las seis condiciones creadas (3*2 canal de comunicación*presión temporal). Los resultados muestran la importancia del tipo de tarea y el canal de comunicación para comprender la relación entre presión temporal y cohesión grupal. Concretamente, la presión temporal disminuye la cohesión grupal cuanto mayor es la interdependencia entre los miembros requerida por la tarea, y en condiciones de comunicación cara a cara, pero no en comunicación mediada. Se sugiere que futuros trabajos deberán incluir variables del ambiente o individuales para comprender la relación entre presión temporal y resultados del trabajo en grupo (AU)

The aim of this paper is to study the effects of time pressure on group cohesiveness in different tasks types (creativity, intellective and mixed-motive) and communication media (face-to-face, videoconference and e-mail). It was carried out an experiment using a sample of 124 subjects, randomly assigned into six different experimental conditions (3*2 communication media*time pressure) in four-person work groups. The results showed the relevance of task type and communication media to understand the relation between time pressure and group cohesiveness. Specifically, time pressure influenced negatively on group cohesiveness, when interdependence task requirements were high or middle, and groups worked face-to-face. It is suggested that future research should include other environmental or individual variables to reach a better understanding of the relation between time pressure and group work outcomes (AU)

Antecedentes y consecuencias del cambio de nivel jerarquico en el trabajo / Antecedents and consequences of hierarchical change in work

Durante los últimos años, como consecuencia del aumento de la complejidad del mercado de trabajo. Los estudios sobre transiciones laborales han incrementado considerablemente. Si bien el estudio de la movilidad laboral es relevante durante toda la vida laboral del individuo es especialmente interesante cuando se centra en la etapa temprana del desarrollo de la carrera del individuo ya que el progreso durante esta fase determina, en buena medida, la trayectoria de carrera posterior. En este contexto el objetivo del presente trabajo es el análisis de los antecedentes y consecuencias, relacionados tanto con las percepciones y evaluaciones de los trabajadores como con sus conductas, de un tipo especifico de transicion laboral, el cambio de nivel jerárquico, en una muestra de jóvenes durante la etapa temprana del desarrollo de su carrera. El estudio presenta un diseño longitudinal con dos momentos de recogida de datos. La muestra esta formada por jóvenes trabajadores que pertenecen a dos grupos ocupacionales: usuarios y operadores aprendices en sistemas de información complejos, y operadores de máquinas y herramientas que desarrollan su actividad en procesos de producción y manufacturación. Los resultados sugieren que los jóvenes que son promocionados tienden a utilizar mas estrategias de desarrollo de la carrera y mas conductas de innovación en su trabajo. Además, se observa que el cambio de nivel jerárquico tiene consecuencias importantes tanto en las estrategias de ajuste como en las percepciones y repuestas afectivas de los jóvenes ante el trabajo.