Exploring the relationship between psychological capital and work engagement
Abstract
In recent years, employees’ psychological connection with their work environment has gained importance in organisations. In order to face the economic challenges and to compete effectively in the global market, companies are under pressure to recruit and retain employees who are willing and able to meet organisational needs and who will invest themselves completely in their roles. Organisations need individuals who are energetic, dedicated and proactive, i.e. people who are engaged in their work.
Research over the past decade has indicated that work engagement results in better job performance, client satisfaction as well as improved financial returns. Studies have furthermore indicated that Psychological Capital (PsyCap), consisting of the four constructs: hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism, has the ability to enhance success in the work environment and that it can be a predictor of work engagement. PsyCap has been found to be a state-like construct, thus open to development and enhancement, therefore providing organisations the opportunity to improve the levels of PsyCap in their employees, which will in turn, result in increased levels of work engagement.
The focus of this study is to ascertain what the relationships between PsyCap levels and work engagement at a poultry hatchery in the South African context are. Furthermore, to establish whether PsyCap can predict work engagement.
The empirical findings were obtained by means of a quantitative research method. Self-report questionnaires were distributed to employees at a poultry hatchery in the North West Province and the high return rate of 91% increased the validity of the study. The questionnaires measured the levels of PsyCap and work engagement of the participants and statistical analysis of the data indicated that there is a positive correlation between PsyCap and work engagement and that PsyCap can predict work engagement. These findings are consistent with previous research in this regard and adds to the growing body of knowledge in the field of Positive Organisational Behaviour. The study posit recommendations for future research as well as recommendations to management regarding enhancing levels of PsyCap in their employees