Less engaged over time? The effect of self-efficacy on work engagement trajectory

Abstract

Despite substantial evidence supporting the positive impact of employee work engagement on organizational outcomes, it remains unclear how engagement changes in demanding work settings within a given time frame. Drawing on the job demands–resources model, we examine the weekly dynamic patterns of vigor, dedication, and absorption (three dimensions of work engagement), as well as the relationship between self-efficacy and the trajectories of these three dimensions. Two field studies were conducted to examine our hypotheses. In Study 1, with the use of a sample of 111 entrepreneurs participating in a 5-day-long Gobi hike designed to enhance professional development, we found that vigor, dedication, and absorption declined over time and that self-efficacy was positively associated with initial vigor, dedication, and absorption. In Study 2, to extend the findings of Study 1, we collected data from 106 employees in various industries using a daily diary survey across five consecutive workdays. Analyses of linear growth models indicates a consistent decline in dedication and absorption, with a positive effect of self-efficacy on all three dimensions of daily engagement.