Mechanism between perceived organizational support and work engagement: explanatory role of self-efficacy
Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences
ISSN: 1026-4116
Article publication date: 2 October 2020
Issue publication date: 22 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and work engagement and the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the POS–work engagement relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to a sample of primary school teachers drawn from the education industry.
Findings
Analysis of the data supports a strong positive relationship between the extent of POS and work engagement. This study also found that self-efficacy mediated the relationship between POS and work engagement.
Research limitations/implications
This study has important implications for managers. First, it motivates managers, by providing justification for provision of support to employees for increased engagement at work. Based on the results of this study, POS is associated with enhanced work engagement levels. Second, evidence from this study illustrates to the organization the importance of developing an environment of support to further enhance work engagement. When employees do not acknowledge and feel supported from their respective organizations, work engagement levels may be sub-optimal. This research is limited, as the data were collected at one point of time, and this has implications for employees and organizations.
Originality/value
There is increasing recognition of the importance of POS in enhanced work engagement levels. Within this context, no previous research has empirically examined the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between POS and work engagement in the setting of primary education sector.
Keywords
Citation
Musenze, I.A., Mayende, T.S., Wampande, A.J., Kasango, J. and Emojong, O.R. (2021), "Mechanism between perceived organizational support and work engagement: explanatory role of self-efficacy", Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 471-495. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEAS-02-2020-0016
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited