The role of personality in the job demands-resources model: A study of Australian academic staff

Abstract

Purpose – The central aim of this study is to incorporate two core personality factors (neuroticism and extroversion) in the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. Design/methodology/approach – It was hypothesized that neuroticism would be most strongly related to the health impairment process, and that extroversion would be most strongly related to the motivational process. The hypotheses were tested in a sample of 3,753 Australian academics, who filled out a questionnaire including job demands and resources, personality, health indicators, and commitment. Findings – Results were generally in line with predictions. Structural equation modeling analyses showed that job demands predicted health impairment, while job resources predicted organizational commitment. Also, neuroticism predicted health impairment, both directly and indirectly through its effect on job demands, while extroversion predicted organizational commitment, both directly and indirectly through its effect on job resources. Research limitations/implications – These findings demonstrate the capacity of the JD-R model to integrate work environment and individual perspectives within a single model of occupational wellbeing. Practical implications – The study shows that working conditions are related to health and commitment, also after controlling for personality. This suggests that workplace interventions can be used to take care of employee wellbeing. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the literature by integrating personality in the JD-R model, and shows how an expanded model explains employee wellbeing.