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The relationship between worry about technological progress and job engagement - Differences by type of job characteristics

Author

Listed:
  • Yoon, Sojin
  • Lee, Na Yeon
  • Lim, Yerim
  • Hong, Sehee

Abstract

Unlike earlier waves of technological development, Industry 4.0 technologies now challenge the assumption that complex and analytical roles are less susceptible to automation. This study examines the relationship of concerns about technological progress with workers' job engagement, particularly how these vary across different job characteristics. Using data from 17,087 Korean employees, we categorized job characteristics into four types: High Autonomy-Simple (23.4 %), Low Autonomy-Simple (33.8 %), High Autonomy-Complex (28.8 %), and Low Autonomy-Complex (14.0 %). The results indicate that worry about technological progress and automation negatively relates to job engagement, with the extent of these results differing across job characteristic groups. These findings highlight the need to consider job characteristics when assessing the relationship between technological concerns and workers' job engagement. Additionally, the importance of enhancing employees' perceived usefulness and ease of use of emerging technologies to foster resilience in an evolving labor market was emphasized.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoon, Sojin & Lee, Na Yeon & Lim, Yerim & Hong, Sehee, 2026. "The relationship between worry about technological progress and job engagement - Differences by type of job characteristics," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:85:y:2026:i:c:s0160791x25003537
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103163
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