Work Engagement: A meta-Analysis Using the Job Demands-Resources Model

Psychol Rep. 2023 Jun;126(3):1069-1107. doi: 10.1177/00332941211051988. Epub 2021 Dec 10.

Abstract

Although the construct of work engagement has been extensively explored, a systematic meta-analysis based on a consistent categorization of engagement antecedents, outcomes, and well-being correlates is still lacking. The results of prior research reporting 533 correlations from 113 independent samples (k = 94, n = 119,420) were coded using a meta-analytic approach. The effect size for development resources (r = .45) and personal resources (r = .48) was higher than for social resources (r = .36) and for job resources (r = .37). Among the outcomes and well-being correlates explored, the effect size was highest for job satisfaction (r = .60) and commitment (r = .63). Furthermore, moderation analysis showed that (a) concerning the occupational role, work engagement finds a low association with turnover intention among civil servants, volunteer workers, and educators; (b) collectivist cultural environments reported a greater association of feedback with engagement than individualistic environments; (c) the relationship between personal resources and engagement was stronger among workers with university degrees than workers with high school diplomas. Furthermore, the absorption dimension showed a lower effect with all variables under investigation than vigor and dedication.

Keywords: energy compass; job demands-R model; job resources; meta-analysis; personal resources; work engagement.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Job Satisfaction*
  • Work Engagement*