To read this content please select one of the options below:

Advancements in crossover theory

Arnold B. Bakker (Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Mina Westman (Faculty of Management, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel)
I.J. Hetty van Emmerik (Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands)

Journal of Managerial Psychology

ISSN: 0268-3946

Article publication date: 27 March 2009

4781

Abstract

Purpose

The central aim of this paper is to give an overview of theory and research on the crossover of (work‐related) wellbeing from employees to their partners at home. In addition, it seeks to discuss studies on the crossover of wellbeing from employees to their colleagues in the workplace. It aims to discuss possible moderators of the crossover effect and delineate a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review.

Findings

The review of the literature shows that strain may spillover from work to home, and consequently influence, the wellbeing of one's partner. Additionally, the paper discusses recent studies documenting that the enthusiasm for one's work may cross over to the partner as well. Furthermore, research has shown that employees influence one another in the workplace. Several conditions may facilitate such crossover, including the frequency of interactions, empathy, susceptibility to contagion, and similarity. The paper outlines a research agenda, and indicates what the gaps in the literature are.

Originality/value

The literature review reveals which advancements can be made in crossover theory. One way would be to further validate the spillover‐crossover model. This model postulates that job demands lead to work‐family conflict, which, in turn, leads to conflict with the partner (social undermining). Thus, job strain (or work engagement) first spills over from work to home, and then crosses over to the partner. This interaction sequence consequently influences the partner's wellbeing.

Keywords

Citation

Bakker, A.B., Westman, M. and Hetty van Emmerik, I.J. (2009), "Advancements in crossover theory", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 206-219. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940910939304

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles