Abstract
M.Comm.
The aim of the present study was to test for both the additive and interactive effects of job characteristics (demands, control and support) on work engagement. Additionally, the model was expanded to include the role of sense of coherence (SOC) as a confounding variable and as a moderator variable of the relationship between job characteristics and work engagement. Cross-sectional, self-report questionnaires were administered to a multi-occupational sample of working adults in South Africa (N = 639). Preliminary analyses demonstrated curvilinear relationships between demands and work engagement, as well as between support and work engagement. Significant two-way and three-way interactions were found for job characteristics. Although direct effects were found for SOC on work engagement, SOC did not act as a confounding variable. SOC further moderated the effects of high job demands and low social support on work engagement. The results of the current study validate the use of the JDC-S model and contribute to the growing body of research on growth outcomes. The results additionally support the inclusion of SOC in studies of work engagement. Causal interpretations are limited due to the cross-sectional nature of the study. Future recommendations include the use of longitudinal studies on work engagement using the JDC-S model and the consideration of potential quadratic relationships of variables.