What it means to love one's job : determining the latent structure, longitudinal stability and correlates of a new construct

Abstract

The Love of Job (LOJ), as presented by Kelloway, Inness, Barling, Francis and Turner (2010), is a new framework for describing the intense positive emotions individuals can have towards their job. Based on Sternberg's (1986) Triangular Theory of Love, LOJ is believed to be comprised of simultaneously high measures of passion for work, affective commitment to the organization, and intimate co-worker relationships. This hypothesis was tested using taxometric procedures that actually confirmed that the latent structure of LOJ is dimensional in nature. Structural equation modeling revealed that cross-sectional correlates of LOJ include positive work experiences such as challenge, control, closeness between co-workers and a positive work climate. A longitudinal reliability test over five years revealed a strong coefficient of stability ( r = .54), even when accounting for job change. These results have important implications for future use of this construct.