Perceived job insecurity, facades of conformity, emotional exhaustion and disengagement

Abstract

Orientation: Job insecurity is a pressing concern for many and is known to have negative outcomes for organisations and individuals. It is important to understand how employees respond to job insecurity and the effectiveness of these strategies.

Research purpose: The study aimed to examine the mediating role of facades of conformity in the relationship between job insecurity, emotional exhaustion and disengagement, drawing on the job demands-resources theory.

Motivation for the study: One coping strategy for dealing with perceived job insecurity is to use facades of conformity. Facades of conformity are a relatively new concept and there is very little research on them in the context of job insecurity. Although there are a few studies in Southern Africa that refer to facades of conformity, none had been found at the time of writing that specifically focused on them.

Research approach/design and method: The cross-sectional survey involved 139 employees from various organisations in Southern Africa. Purposive and snowball sampling were used and online questionnaires were completed. Correlations and mediated regressions were calculated.

Main findings: Job insecurity and facades of conformity were related to emotional exhaustion and disengagement. Facades of conformity mediated the relationship between job insecurity and both emotional exhaustion and disengagement.

Practical/managerial implications: Interventions should be aimed at individuals, teams and organisations to reduce facades of conformity, emotional exhaustion and disengagement.

Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to research creating a compelling case for encouraging employees to be authentic and an understanding of how job insecurity leads to burnout.