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Measuring motivational patterns: a formal approach of conservation of resources theory

Author

Listed:
  • Jean-Pierre Neveu

    (UPPA - Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour)

  • Pascal Bégout

    (TSE-R - TSE-R Toulouse School of Economics – Recherche - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

Abstract

The present research develops a formal mathematical model to measure individual motivation at work. Its mathematical specifications correspond to a formal translation of Conservation of Resources (COR) theory core assumptions. It explores how such COR constructs as resource caravan and resource passageway determine patterns of motivational processes. The model is applied to a sample of working professionals (n= 8) from different occupations. Data is obtained from a 5-item Lickert-scale questionnaire based on the COR-Evaluation (COR-E) instrument developed by Hobfoll et al. (1992). Results are presented in the form of eight different Tables that correspond to eight different resource caravans. They unveil how individual motivational processes vary by the extent to which resources interact with an underlying drive for preservation. The role of context is also confirmed as a resource passageway. With regard to methodology, this research emphasizes how measurement based on mathematical modeling can be an alternative to standard data-analytic statistics. At a theory level, it enriches both COR-based literature and theory of workplace motivation. Practically, it provides an analytical instrument that details information on those processes that shape individual motivational profiles in organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean-Pierre Neveu & Pascal Bégout, 2025. "Measuring motivational patterns: a formal approach of conservation of resources theory," Post-Print hal-05269435, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05269435
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05269435v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jean-Pierre Neveu & B Kakavand, 2019. "Endangered resources : the role of organizational justice and interpersonal trust as signals for workplace corruption," Post-Print hal-02479781, HAL.
    2. Jean-Pierre Neveu & Stevan E. Hobfoll & Jonathon Halbesleben & M Westman, 2018. "Conservation of resources in the organizational context : the reality of resources and their consequences," Post-Print hal-02472360, HAL.
    3. Jonathon Halbesleben & Jean-Pierre Neveu & Samantha Paustian-Underdahl & Mina Westman, 2014. "Getting to the “COR”: Understanding the Role of Resources in Conservation of Resources Theory," Post-Print hal-02049109, HAL.
    4. van Woerkom, Marianne & de Bruijn, Maaike, 2016. "Why Performance Appraisal Does Not Lead to Performance Improvement: Excellent Performance as a Function of Uniqueness Instead of Uniformity," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(2), pages 275-281, June.
    5. Neville, Lukas & Roulin, Nicolas, 2016. "Genius or Folly? It Depends on Whether Performance Ratings Survive the “Psychological Immune System”," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(2), pages 281-288, June.
    6. Eric D. Beinhocker, 2013. "Reflexivity, complexity, and the nature of social science," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(4), pages 330-342, December.
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