The power of love : an examination of the measure, antecedents, and outcomes of love of the job

Abstract

The overall objective for this dissertation research was to provide construct validity for the emerging love of the job LOJ model (Barling and Inness, 2007; Kelloway et al., 2010), to evaluate its measurement, and to situate it as a more powerful predictor of organizational and individual outcomes than other similar constructs. In line with the theme of positive psychology and the emerging field of positive organizational behaviour, it is hoped that the research findings of a significant connection between love of the job and well-being will lead to "employee happiness and health as viable goals in themselves" (Bakker and Schaufeli, 2008, p.148). This two-phase research project involved quantitative analysis of survey data collected from 310 Certified General Accountants and Certified Management Consultants in Canada between May and September 2010. The first study provided empirical support for LOJ as a three-factor model comprised of large and equal amounts of passion, commitment and intimacy. This study also provided discriminant validity by distinguishing the LOJ construct from job satisfaction and job engagement. Finally, study one provided evidence of association between LOJ and reciprocity of the organization, turnover intention, organizational citizenship behaviour, and psychological well-being. Study two was based on longitudinal data from 204 Certified General Accountants and Certified Management Consultants and provided evidence that reciprocity predicts LOJ and that LOJ predicts turnover, organizational citizenship behaviour, well-being and job satisfaction, but not productivity.