A test of a job demands-resources intervention

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a job demands-resources (JD-R) intervention on psychological capital (PsyCap), job crafting, work engagement, and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group. Healthcare professionals (n=67) were assigned to the JD-R intervention or a control group and filled out questionnaires before and after the intervention. To test the hypotheses, multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted.

Findings

Results showed that participants’ PsyCap, job crafting, work engagement, and self-ratings of job performance significantly increased after the JD-R intervention.

Research limitations/implications

Only healthcare professionals participated in the intervention study, which restricts the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

The results illustrate that organizations can foster work engagement and improve performance by offering a JD-R intervention aimed at increasing PsyCap and job crafting at work. Organizations should acknowledge the importance of facilitating and stimulating a resourceful and challenging work environment.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examined a JD-R intervention. The results contribute to JD-R theory by offering a first causal test. For the first time, a significant increase of job crafting behaviors after an intervention was found.

Citation

Wingerden, J.v., Bakker, A.B. and Derks, D. (2016), "A test of a job demands-resources intervention", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 686-701. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-03-2014-0086