The effects of Job Security and Regulatory Focus on Well- Being and Engagement; with Exploratory Analyses of Generational Differences

Abstract

Job security is considered a key factor to organizational success. This study further analyzes this relationship by investigating employees’ job security in relation to their wellbeing and engagement at work. The study was conducted among 125 employees working at a prestigious international design firm. Differences were established between subjective (perceived) and objective (formal) job security. Results indicated that job security related significantly to elements of both well-being and engagement, however well-being results were contradictory to previous literature. In addition, regulatory focus was assessed as a moderator. The theory that high prevention focused individuals benefit from job security in terms of well-being and engagement was not supported. High promotion focused individuals did however benefit from job security in terms of their absorption. Exploratory analyses showed a marked difference in the attitudes and behaviors towards work of employees from different generations with differing regulatory foci. Reasons for these relationships as well as suggestions for future research are included. These findings may have implications for organizational retention strategies for employees of different generations with differing regulatory foci.