Background
Appraisal processes might represent an important and underestimated component inherent in the assumptions of the challenge-hindrance framework, which categorizes job demands into challenges and hindrances. The following study contributes to recently raised doubts regarding the a priori classification of the challenge-hindrance approach and investigates specific appraisals (i.e., challenge, hindrance, and threat) related to job complexity and emotional demands, using a typological approach. Additionally, we examine employee's resilience as a predictor to job demands appraisal processes.
Hypotheses/Research Questions
Analyses of appraisals related to job complexity and emotional demands will reveal multiple profiles.
Employees resilience predicts profile membership.
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
N = 628, 66.1% male
Design
We used a latent profile analysis (LPA) in Mplus to identify potential sub-populations of appraisals of job complexity and emotional demands. In order to test employee's resilience as a predictor for class membership we ran a multinomial regression.
Results
Results of the LPA indicated that a four-profile structure fitted data best, consisting of a Dominant Challenge appraisal, a Dominant Hindrance/Threat appraisal, a Moderate appraisal, and a Job Demands Specific appraisal profile (LMR = 189.81, p = 0.004; VMLR = 194.02, p = 0.003, Entropy = .80). Multinomial logistic regression showed that employees resilience capacity was the strongest predictor for belonging to the Dominant Challenge appraisal profile (b = 1.42, p<.001, OR = 4.14) and significantly decreased the likelihood of being in the Dominant Hindrance/Threat appraisal profile (b =- 1.42, p<.001, OR = 0.24).
Scientific Contribution
The results contribute to refinements within challenge-hindrance research, such that appraisal processes may represent a missing component inherent in the model and help to extend our understanding related to the proposed ambivalent nature of challenge demands. Moreover, employees’ resilience capacity was identified as an important antecedent of appraisal profile membership indicating how job demands are perceived.