journal article Open Access Apr 21, 2024

Rethinking job insecurity research: Challenging the homogeneous, linear, and negative effects of job insecurity

Applied Psychology Vol. 73 No. 4 pp. 2013-2020 · Wiley
View at Publisher Save 10.1111/apps.12534
Abstract
Abstract
The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work, making a discussion on job insecurity both timely and imperative. In this commentary, I critically examine several assumptions presented in Klug et al.'s lead article and propose alternative avenues to advance the field. First, I argue for a nuanced understanding of job insecurity by distinguishing between cognitive and affective dimensions, as well as between quantitative and qualitative aspects. By avoiding oversimplification, we can better capture the complex experiences of job insecurity. Second, I challenge the prevailing notion of job insecurity as solely a hindrance stressor with uniformly negative consequences. Instead, I emphasize its potentially motivating effects under certain conditions and advocate for exploring its curvilinear effects on outcomes. Third, I advocate for the adoption of competing theoretical frameworks to enrich our understanding of job insecurity's implications across multiple levels, especially focusing on outcomes at the team, unit, and organizational levels. Finally, I call for more intervention studies aimed at mitigating job insecurity at its sources and improving the well‐being outcomes of job‐insecure employees. To sum, I highlight the importance of challenging conventional assumptions and fostering innovative approaches in job insecurity research.
Topics

No keywords indexed for this article. Browse by subject →

References
41
[3]
Justice in Social Exchange

Peter M. Blau

Sociological Inquiry 10.1111/j.1475-682x.1964.tb00583.x
[4]
De Witte H. (2000)
[5]
De Witte H. (2007)
[8]
Conservation of resources: A new attempt at conceptualizing stress.

Stevan E. Hobfoll

American Psychologist 10.1037/0003-066x.44.3.513
[11]
Cognitive and Affective Job Insecurity: A Meta-Analysis and a Primary Study

Lixin Jiang, Lindsey M. Lavaysse

Journal of Management 10.1177/0149206318773853
[12]
Does a stick work? A meta‐analytic examination of curvilinear relationships between job insecurity and employee workplace behaviors

Lixin Jiang, Amy Lawrence, Xiaohong (Violet) Xu

Journal of Organizational Behavior 10.1002/job.2652
[15]
Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision under Risk

Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky

Econometrica 10.2307/1914185
[18]
Lazarus R. S. (1984)
[19]
Theory Pruning: Strategies to Reduce Our Dense Theoretical Landscape

Keith Leavitt, Teresa Mitchell, Jeff Peterson

Organizational Research Methods 10.1177/1094428109345156
[20]
Job Insecurity and the Changing Workplace: Recent Developments and the Future Trends in Job Insecurity Research

Cynthia Lee, Guo-Hua Huang, Susan J. Ashford

Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Org... 10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-032117-104651
[25]
Automation, Algorithms, and Beyond: Why Work Design Matters More Than Ever in a Digital World

Sharon K. Parker, Gudela Grote

Applied Psychology 10.1111/apps.12241
[33]
Job Insecurity: An Integrative Review and Agenda for Future Research

Mindy K. Shoss

Journal of Management 10.1177/0149206317691574
[36]
Threat Rigidity Effects in Organizational Behavior: A Multilevel Analysis

Barry M. Staw, Lance E. Sandelands, Jane E. Dutton

Administrative Science Quarterly 10.2307/2392337
Metrics
4
Citations
41
References
Details
Published
Apr 21, 2024
Vol/Issue
73(4)
Pages
2013-2020
License
View
Cite This Article
Lixin Jiang (2024). Rethinking job insecurity research: Challenging the homogeneous, linear, and negative effects of job insecurity. Applied Psychology, 73(4), 2013-2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12534