Abstract
Background and research purpose: Organisations and managers are constantly trying to establish innovative methods to enhance the psychological connection employees have with their work. This study investigates the relationship between demographic variables such as age, gender, and tenure and the psychological attachment of employees while comparing these results across profit and non-profit organisations. Motivation for the study: Generally, employees worldwide are not as connected, enthusiastic, or fully involved with their work, and the literature on psychological attachment and engagement studies reveals limited empirical research on the relationship between psychological attachment and demographic variables across profit and non-profit organisations, especially within the South African context. Research approach, design, and method: In this quantitative, cross-sectional research design, secondary data were used through means of a non-probability sampling strategy within the profit and non-profit organisations across various companies in the African continent. A sample of n = 1029 collected from employees across profit and non-profit organisations was used. Psychological attachment was measured using the Psychological Work Immersion Scale (PWIS). Main findings: A significant relationship was found between psychological attachment and age, and only age differences predicted psychological attachment among the participants. No significant differences in psychological attachment were observed between the profit and nonprofit organisation participants. Practical implications: The research adds value to human resource (HR) practitioners and industrial psychologists in terms of organisational development interventions. It guides HR practitioners to consider interventions specific to differences in age, gender, and tenure.
M.Phil. (Industrial Psychology)