Is there an inverted U‐shaped relationship between job demands and work engagement: The moderating role of social support?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of an inverted U‐shaped relationship between job demands and work engagement, and whether social support moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 307 technical and information technology (IT) managers who responded to an online survey. Multiple regressions are employed to examine linear and curvilinear relationship among variables.

Findings

Overall, results support the applicability of the quadratic effect of job demands on employee engagement. However, only supervisor support, not colleague support, moderated the relationship between job demands and work engagement.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to shed light on the quadratic effect of job demands on work engagement. The findings have noteworthy implications for managers to design optimal job demands that increase employee engagement.

Citation

Sawang, S. (2012), "Is there an inverted U‐shaped relationship between job demands and work engagement: The moderating role of social support?", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 178-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437721211225426