Work - Volume 74, issue 1

Authors: Ali Khan, Hafiz Ghufran | Khan, Muhammad Anwar | Ali, Muhammad Iftikhar | Khattak, Shoukat Iqbal | Shujaat, Sobia | Alam, Beenish Fatima

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Authentic leadership (AL) is an interesting topic in the organizational behavior literature that has attracted the attention of researchers since the last decade. OBJECTIVES: This research examines the employee-centered aspect among AL, trust, happiness at work and individual performance through a sequential mediating approach. METHOD: Data was collected from 435 healthcare professionals working in various hospitals in Pakistan. AL-independent variables were measured and the trust mediating variables were assessed through a questionnaire. The level of happiness at work and IP-dependent variables were measured through a survey. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant and …positive effect of AL on the individual performance that is connected both directly and indirectly through mediating effects of trust and happiness at work. Furthermore, the results showed that AL created a trustworthy atmosphere among the workers that enhanced employee’s happiness at work and, subsequently, improved their job performance and motivation. CONCLUSION: This research delivers new and important results as, one the one hand, it depends on the sequential mediating effects of constructs whereas, on the other hand, it integrates four important variables in one model. Theoretical and practical implications along with future recommendations were presented for organizational management. Show more

Keywords: Authentic leadership, trust, happiness at work, individual performance, leadership style

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211270

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 111-118, 2023

Authors: Deng, Huaqiang | Wang, Wei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace envy is a common, yet easily overlooked, phenomenon in the workplace, and it has an important impact on an organization. However, the majority of studies have focused on this topic from the perspective of the envier, and research from the perspective of the envied target is insufficient. OBJECTIVE: Building on social information processing theory, this study investigated the effects of being envied on coworker exchange and examined the influence of individual factors on this relationship. METHOD: A two-wave field survey was adopted for data collection, and 288 employees from six companies in the south …of China were included. A longitudinal cross-lagged panel analysis and the Latent Moderated Structural Equations (LMS) approach were performed using Mplus 8.3. RESULTS: The findings show that being envied has a negative effect on coworker exchange and that this negative relationship is stronger when narcissism is higher or the need for affiliation is lower. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the literature on workplace envy by providing new insights and theoretical perspectives. Future research should focus on both people who envy and people who are envied, supervisor–subordinate envy, and the relationship between narcissism and being envied. Show more

Keywords: Workplace envy, social exchange, social information processing theory

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211165

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 119-127, 2023

Authors: Nowrouzi-Kia, Behdin | Gohar, Basem | Sithamparanathan, Gobika | Sun, Ruo Yue | Casole, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Indigenous workforce in Canada is challenged by a history of Euro-Canadian colonialism that has presented deleterious health outcomes, including those in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the mental health of Indigenous workers in the workplace. METHODS: We used the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) between 2015 to 2016. Data were analyzed using the Public Use Microdata Files to profile the workplace mental health characteristics of First Nation Canadians (n  = 6,297) and Canadians (n  = 84,155). We utilized secondary data analysis design. The analyses included descriptive statistics (e.g., means and …standard deviations) of self-reported mood disorders (depression, bipolar, mania, dysthymia), anxiety (phobia, OCD, panic) and occupational factors (e.g., demographic, days off work due to an acute mental health condition, job type, and job stress) in indigenous peoples living off-reserve and other Aboriginal settlements in the provinces. RESULTS: We examined the indigenous cohort between the ages of 18–64 who were employed. The sample was 53.1% male, married (34.8%), and obtained a post-secondary diploma or university degree (57.9%). The study reported statistically significant gender and age differences across mood and anxiety disorders (p  < 0.05), job stress (p  < 0.05) and workload (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the work profile of indigenous populations in Canada across various occupational mental health (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety) and demographic (e.g., age, education attainment) outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Indigenous workforce, Canada, work, mental health, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210927

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 129-136, 2023

Authors: Dodson, Matthew B. | Kyi, Min | Percy, Tania L. M. | Wadley, Megan | Deeker, Kelly | Matheson, Leonard N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The 2001 Feasibility Evaluation Checklist (FEC) is an assessment of work readiness for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). It establishes the integrity of basic safety, productivity, and interpersonal factors in neurorehabilitation and vocational settings. This study represents an effort to further develop the FEC to increase its clinical utility. OBJECTIVE: To redesign the FEC by conducting Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses on the study’s results and combining those mathematical calibrations with clinical expert judgement. The result will be a new measure for use in clinical ABI neurorehabilitation and vocational settings: the Employment Feasibility Checklist (EFC). …METHODS: Seven participants with ABI were administered a situational assessment on multiple occasions by occupational therapists in a community rehabilitation clinic. The FEC was used to assess the participant’s performance across three areas of basic employment feasibility: safety, productivity, and interpersonal factors. Results were analyzed with IRT-Rasch analysis and then subjected to clinical expert judgment, resulting in adjustment recommendations for the FEC. RESULTS: In this scale development study, IRT analysis of results from 89 observation trials was combined with expert clinical judgment resulting in a redesigned tool with increased clinical utility for persons with ABI. The EFC is a 12-item observational rating scale for employment feasibility constructs of Productivity and Interpersonal Relations, with an additional six-item Workplace Safety subsection. CONCLUSION: The EFC is a mathematically calibrated tool designed to gauge feasibility for competitive employment in clients with ABI. The tool may be useful in clinical neurorehabilitation settings and vocational rehabilitation settings. Show more

Keywords: Neurorehabilitation, occupational therapy, Rasch analysis, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211055

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 137-151, 2023

Authors: Khan, Lubna | Shetty, Mamta | Kherada, Shifa | Kava, Reema | Kazi, Mubina | Walankar, Prachita | Mullerpatan, Rajani

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dough kneading is a commonly performed activity in the kitchen, which influences hand grip strength. OBJECTIVES: To study the influence of dough kneading exposure on hand grip strength and to evaluate the effect of dough kneading intervention on hand grip strength with the purpose of recommending dough kneading as a therapeutic exercise for improving hand grip strength. METHODS: One hundred and fifty healthy females with varying levels of exposure to dough kneading, stratified as occupational dough kneaders, habitual dough kneaders and non-kneaders, were studied. Hand grip strength of all participants was measured with a standard …protocol using the Jamar dynamometer. Hand grip strength of occupational, habitual and non-kneaders was compared. Non-kneaders followed a 6-week intervention of dough kneading and grip strength was recorded post-intervention. RESULT: Comparison of hand grip strength between the three groups revealed significant difference (p value < 0.001). Linear contrast analysis, revealed the least hand grip strength in non-kneaders compared to habitual and occupational dough kneaders, with occupational dough kneaders presenting maximum hand grip strength (p value < 0.001). Significant improvement was demonstrated in hand grip strength post-intervention in non-kneaders (p value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that exposure to dough kneading has a positive influence on hand grip strength. Hand grip strength of non-kneaders was lowest compared to habitual and occupational kneaders. Kneading intervention improved hand grip strength and hence can be used therapeutically as a safe, low cost exercise in hand rehabilitation. Show more

Keywords: Handgrip strength, hand rehabilitation, kitchen workers, kneading

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210963

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 153-158, 2023

Authors: Uludag, Mesut | Vergili, Ozge | Kilic, Rabia Tugba | Oktas, Birhan | Yosmaoglu, Hayri Baran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The ankle sprain is the most common ankle injury. Although the factors that increase the risk of ankle injury are included in the literature, the definitive evidence is controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to examine whether Q-angle, lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), and hip muscle torque are associated with ankle sprain. METHODS: Thirty-six individuals who underwent an axial X-ray examination of the lower extremity following ankle sprain were included. The Q-angle and LDTA were measured on the axial knee X-rays on both sides. The isometric muscle strength was measured with a digital …handheld dynamometer for the quadriceps femoris muscle, the gluteus medius muscle and the gluteus maximus muscle. Muscle torques were calculated by multiplying isometric muscle strength values with the distance to the joint center. RESULTS: Discrimination analysis shows that the gluteus maximus (0.90), gluteus medius (0.49), quadriceps femoris muscle torques (0.34), and lateral distal tibial angle (0.43) were the factors that most contributed to ankle sprain. No significant relationship was found between the Q-angle and ankle sprain (p  = 0.603). A strong relationship was found between LDTA, quadriceps femoris, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscle torques and ankle sprain (p  = 0.014, p  < 0.001, p  = 0.011, p  = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the torques of the proximal muscle may be more related than the Q-angle to lateral ankle sprain injury. Individuals with high LDTA should also be carefully examined for the risk of ankle sprain. Show more

Keywords: Ankle injury, muscle strength, torque, knee, lower extremity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210268

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 159-166, 2023

Authors: Dewangan, Krishna Narayan | Patel, Thaneswer | Lalremruata,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tractors emit high intensity noise and prolonged exposure to high intensity noise causes hearing loss to the drivers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure noise intensity at the tractor drivers’ ear level and hearing loss among tractor drivers. METHODS: Noise intensity was measured on 6 models of tractors which were operated with 5 different tillage implements. In order to assess hearing loss, audiometric test was performed at 7 frequencies, i.e. 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz, among 30 tractor drivers and 30 control group subjects. All the selected tractor drivers …and control group subjects were also interviewed to obtain personal information and noise exposure details. RESULTS: The tractor drivers were exposed to noise intensity in the range of 91.7–97.5 dB(A). Audiogram analysis shows that the hearing threshold levels were significantly (p  < 0.05) higher among the tractor drivers as compared with the control group subjects. The effect was significantly (p  < 0.05) more on the left ear as compared with the right ear among the tractor drivers. Increase in age has significant (p  < 0.05) effect on the hearing threshold levels on the left ear. Prevalence of high frequency hearing loss was 50% among tractor drivers as compared with 10% among control group subjects. Hearing loss was significantly (p  < 0.05) more in the low frequency as compared with the high frequency among the tractor drivers. CONCLUSION: Indian tractor operators are exposed to high noise levels which may result in hearing loss. It is recommended that hearing conservation programs should be initiated to prevent noise hazards and hearing loss among the tractor drivers. Show more

Keywords: Sound pressure level, noise-induced hearing loss, hearing impairment, hearing threshold level, tillage implements

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210258

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 167-181, 2023

Authors: Mok, Irene | Mackenzie, Lynette | Thomson, Kate

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work injury can put older workers at higher risk of disability and early retirement. Rapid population ageing has raised questions about the ability of older workers to continue working, especially for those who have experienced work injury. Career development practices have been highlighted as a form of rehabilitation support to enable longer working lives of injured older workers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore whether career development practices contribute to higher expected retirement age for injured older workers (aged 45 and above). METHOD: A total of 274 older Australian workers employed at …large organisations completed a survey about their health, retirement intentions, work injury, and engagement with career development practices. Hierarchical multiple regression and two-way analysis of variances were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Work injury contributed to significantly lower expected retirement age for older workers. Work training and development predicted a significant amount of variance in expected retirement age of injured older workers, and enabled them to work to later retirement ages. There was no statistically significant difference in injured older workers’ expected retirement age for those who participated in career discussion with their managers and those who did not participate. CONCLUSION: Lack of career development support can affect injured older workers’ ability to participate in employment. The findings highlight the importance for rehabilitation and human resource professionals to have a proactive and educative role in providing career development support to injured older workers. Show more

Keywords: Work injury, career development, older workers, human resource management, retirement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211249

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 183-191, 2023

Authors: Gerich, Joachim | Lehner, Roland

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research on the spillover effects of work stress on substance use have mainly focused on the concept of escapist substance. OBJECTIVE: Building on the concept of self-endangering work behavior, we expand this stress-theoretic view with a presenteeism path of work-induced substance use. Contrary to emotion-based disengaging coping strategies associated with escapist use, we argue that high job demands may also promote problem-focused engagement coping, where substances are used for activation. METHODS: A structural equation model was used to analyze both assumed pathways of stress-induced substance use with survey data from a random sample of n … = 411 employees. RESULTS: We confirmed that high job demands are directly related to escapist substance use, but indirectly related to activating substance use, mediated by presenteeism behavior. Both types of substance use are reduced in organizations with high psychosocial safety climate, but increase with higher competitive climate. Social support is related to reduced activating substance use. Males show a stronger tendency for the escapist path, whereas the presenteeism path is more prevalent in women. CONCLUSION: Work stress may not only induce substance use as a disengaging emotional coping strategy, but also as an active problem-focused coping strategy, where employees engage in substance use to continue their efforts necessary for work-related goal attainment. A psychosocial safety climate may provide opportunities for intervening on the “cause of causes” of substance use. Moreover, due to the higher prevalence for activating substance use in female workers, previous research may have underestimated women’s risks for work-induced substance use. Show more

Keywords: Presenteeism, psychosocial safety climate, social support, competitive climate, job demands

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211281

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 193-206, 2023

Authors: Jacob, Udeme Samuel | Pillay, Jace | Adeoye, Olukemi Esther | Oni, Temiloluwa Kehinde

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disability are likely to face long-standing employment barriers in finding and keeping jobs, for a variety of reasons. This study, therefore, investigated barriers to employment of people with intellectual disability. The participants in this study were made up of sixty-five stakeholders who were recruited from six different categories. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine barriers to employment of people with intellectual disability. METHODS: A qualitative and quantitative research design was used in the study. The qualitative method was used to systematically identify barriers to employment for people with intellectual …disability while the quantitative method was used to rank the barriers. RESULTS: Findings indicate that barriers to employment for people with developmental disabilities are discrimination, stigma, employers’ attitude, and management style, feeling unappreciated, and working environment such as culture to accommodation, understanding and strengths. Moreover, results shows that discrimination was ranked the highest while feeling unappreciated was ranked the least of the barriers to employment of people with intellectual disability. CONCLUSION: The paper provides information about barriers to employment of people with intellectual disability in Nigeria that is required to initiate change in policy development. Show more

Keywords: Barriers, employment, intellectual disability, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211097

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 1, pp. 207-218, 2023