An Empirical Investigation of the Employee Work Passion Appraisal Model Using Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

The Problem

Employee work passion theory offers an appraisal-based approach that explains how work passion is formulated in individuals. Self-determination theory postulates that the satisfaction of three basic psychological human needs (competence, relatedness, and autonomy) is essential for individuals to flourish and thrive at work. The role of basic psychological need satisfaction in the employee work passion appraisal process is yet to be examined.

The Solution

We investigated the relations between employees’ cognitive appraisals of their work environment characteristics (work cognitions), their basic psychological need satisfaction, and their work intentions. Our study provided empirical evidence showing that employees’ cognitive appraisals of work characteristics such as job autonomy, task variety, meaningful work, and performance expectations were positively related to basic psychological need satisfaction, which, in turn, positively impacted their work intentions, thus indicating the subjective experience of work passion.

The Stakeholders

Results suggest that organizational leaders, supervisors, and human resource development (HRD) practitioners could develop interventions that promote specific workplace characteristics and are aimed at contributing to the fulfillment of employees’ basic psychological needs. In so doing, employees and stakeholders could benefit from the individual and organizational outcomes that flow from employees experiencing greater work passion.