Original Research

A structural model of job resources, organisational and individual strengths use and work engagement

Cheri Botha, Karina Mostert
SA Journal of Industrial Psychology | Vol 40, No 1 | a1135 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v40i1.1135 | © 2014 Cheri Botha, Karina Mostert | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 29 April 2013 | Published: 07 February 2014

About the author(s)

Cheri Botha, WorkWell Research Unit, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
Karina Mostert, WorkWell Research Unit, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: Organisations will not be able to maintain a competitive advantage by merely focusing on the development of their employees’ weaknesses. Employees should also be provided with sufficient job resources and opportunities to develop and use their strengths, as this could lead to work engagement.

Research purpose: To test a structural model of job resources, perceived organisational support for strengths use, proactive behaviour towards strengths use and work engagement amongst South African employees.

Motivation for the study: To gain more knowledge and a better understanding of the outcomes of following an organisational and individual strength-based approach focused on the use of strengths within the South African context.

Research approach, design and method: A quantitative approach with cross-sectional research design was used. An availability sample (N = 401) of employees from various occupational groups in South Africa was used. Structural equation modelling was used to test the model.

Main findings: The results indicated that perceived organisational support for strengths use and employees’ proactive behaviour towards strengths use were strongly and positively associated with work engagement in the structural model.

Practical/managerial implications: Knowledge of using strengths from an organisational and individual perspective could assist organisations in gaining a better understanding of the relationship with work engagement.

Contribution/value-add: This study adds to the limited research on using strengths from both an organisational and individual perspective and possible outcomes within the South African context.


Keywords

Strength-based approach; individual strength-oriented behaviour; job resources; mediating effect; positive psychology

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Crossref Citations

1. Well-being of first-year students: The role of study characteristics, strengths and deficits
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SA Journal of Industrial Psychology  vol: 50  year: 2024  
doi: 10.4102/sajip.v50i0.2117