State optimism, state pessimism and job crafting: A daily diary study


Published: Dec 31, 2023
Keywords:
optimism pessimism job crafting dairy study regulatory focus theory multilevel analysis
Anastasios-Apostolos Argyris
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8723-4066
Leonidas A. Zampetakis
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9568-6302
Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between state optimism, state pessimism, and daily job crafting as applied in the Job Demands-Resources model. Based on regulatory focus theory, we hypothesized that optimism would be positively related to the promotion-focused job crafting strategies of "seeking resources" and "seeking constructive challenges," while pessimism would be positively related to the prevention-focused strategy of "reducing hindering demands. Data were based on sixty-four employees working at a Hellenic Air Force military base who completed a quantitative diary for five consecutive work days. The results of multilevel analyses confirmed that state optimism and state pessimism are district but negatively related constructs. In addition, our hypotheses of the relationships between state optimism, state pessimism and daily job crafting, were confirmed. This study contributes to the ongoing theoretical debate about the structure of optimism/pessimism, and provides evidence that even in hierarchical organizations with limited autonomy for their employees, such as military organizations, individuals can craft their jobs to mobilize the resources necessary to effectively perform their tasks.

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