Are Two Constructs Better Than One?

: Testing an Integrated Model of Attitudinal Engagement and Behavioural Engagement with a Two-Wave Study

Abstract

This thesis examined the nature of work engagement, utilising a two-wave study, with two core questions. The first concerned the extent to which there are two distinct constructs known as attitudinal work engagement (AWE) and behavioural work engagement (BWE), respectively. The second concerned the extent to which an integrated model of engagement (IME), which incorporates research from each of the two respective approaches, is empirically supported using cross-sectional and temporal data. Further to the first question, the IME also considers the extent to which AWE predicts BWE.

The study adopted a quantitative methodology and data were obtained from 304 respondents who completed online survey questionnaires at Time 1 (T1) and four weeks later, at Time 2 (T2). The first question in the thesis was addressed using factor analyses, and tests of intercorrelation. Results supported the case for discriminant validity, or empirical distinctiveness, between AWE and BWE suggesting that two engagement constructs are indeed better than one. The second question was addressed using regressions with cross-sectional and temporal data, respectively. Cross-sectional results empirically supported the (IME) at T1 and at T2 with a number of constructs emerging as core predictors of AWE and BWE, respectively. However, a number of results were not entirely stable from one time period to the next.

Subsequently, a more stringent temporal test of the IME was completed using T1 and T2 data together to examine the extent to which antecedents/mediators measured at T1 would predict attitudinal and behavioural engagement, respectively, at T2. Results provided strong empirical support for the temporal IME with a number of different constructs emerging as core predictors of AWE and BWE, respectively. Crucially, cross-sectional and temporal results further supported the case for discriminant validity between the two engagement constructs as AWE did not predict BWE. In addition to the core IME constructs, a number of demographic variables, including age and gender, demonstrated significant effects on engagement. Key findings, as well as contributions, from the study and directions for future research are discussed.

Date of Award	1 Sept 2014
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	King's College London
Supervisor	Riccardo Peccei (Supervisor) & Stephen Deery (Supervisor)