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Decent Work and Work Motivation in Knowledge Workers: the Mediating Role of Psychological Capital

Author

Listed:
  • Tânia Ferraro

    (University of Coimbra)

  • Leonor Pais

    (University of Coimbra)

  • João Manuel Moreira

    (University of Lisbon)

  • Nuno Rebelo Dos Santos

    (Universidade de Évora)

Abstract

This article aimed to investigate the role of Decent Work as a predictor of different types of Work Motivation and to explore the possible role of Psychological Capital in mediating this relationship. The Decent Work Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale, and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire were administered to 3004 knowledge workers, in Portugal and Brazil. Results from Structural Equation Modeling analyses support the hypothesized model, showing the predictor role of Decent Work and complete and partial mediation effects of PsyCap in different relationships between DW and Work motivation variables. The results also support the idea that a decent work context predicts more autonomous work motivations again with the mediation of PsyCap. In sum, the results suggest that decent work plays an important role in promoting a positive approach to work, and that Psychological Capital is an important mediating variable in the promotion of autonomous Work motivation. Limitations and practical implications conclude the article.

Suggested Citation

  • Tânia Ferraro & Leonor Pais & João Manuel Moreira & Nuno Rebelo Dos Santos, 2018. "Decent Work and Work Motivation in Knowledge Workers: the Mediating Role of Psychological Capital," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 13(2), pages 501-523, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:13:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s11482-017-9539-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-017-9539-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Marta Graça & Leonor Pais & Lisete Mónico & Nuno Rebelo Dos Santos & Tânia Ferraro & Rita Berger, 2021. "Decent Work and Work Engagement: A Profile Study with Academic Personnel," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(3), pages 917-939, June.
    2. Francisco Rodríguez-Cifuentes & Adrián Segura-Camacho & Cristina García-Ael & Gabriela Topa, 2020. "The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital between Motivational Orientations and Their Organizational Consequences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Roberto Luna-Arocas & Ignacio Danvila-del-Valle, 2021. "Does Positive Wellbeing Predict Job Performance Three Months Later?," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(4), pages 1555-1569, August.
    4. Muhammad Qasim & Muhammad Irshad & Mehwish Majeed & Syed Tahir Hussain Rizvi, 2022. "Examining Impact of Islamic Work Ethic on Task Performance: Mediating Effect of Psychological Capital and a Moderating Role of Ethical Leadership," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 180(1), pages 283-295, September.

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