Engagement Theories

What does Kahn’s engagement theory say about employees?

Employees are more likely to engage when meaningfulness, psychological safety and availability are present

Kahns theory meaningfulness definition

Work feels worthwhile, valuable, or significant

Kahns theory psychological safety definition

Employees feel comfortable expressing
themselves, asking questions, and taking interpersonal risks.

Kahns theory availability definition

Employees have the physical, emotional, and psychological
resources needed to engage

What is an example of a kahn theory employees experience?

An employee is asked to lead a project they care about

What is the main idea of the self determination theory SDT?

Engagement grows then these 3 main things are met: autonomy, relatedness, and competence

What is the SDT autonomy definition

feeling choice and control over your work

What is the SDT competence definition?

feeling capable and effective

What is the SDT relatedness definition?

Feeling connected to and supported by others

What is Intrinsic motivation?

Motivation that comes from interest, enjoyment, or
personal meaning.

What is extrinsic motivation?

Motivation that comes from external rewards or
consequences.

what is SDT’s key takeaway?

Employees are more engaged when they feel capable,
connected, and have some control over their work

What is an SDT example?

Employee Given Ownership of a Project

What is the main idea of the job demands resources model (JDR)?

Engagement and well-being depend partly on the balance
between job demands and available resources.

What are JDR job demands?

workload, time pressure, emotional demands, role conflict

What are JDR job resources?

Supervisor support, autonomy, feedback, recognition,
adequate tools or staffing

High demands + insufficient resources would cause:

Greater risk of stress, strain,
and burnout

JDR example

A nurse in a busy hospital. nurse has demanding workload

what is the main idea of the Social Exchange theory SET?

Workplace relationships involve ongoing exchanges and
reciprocity. How employees are treated can influence how they respond to
the organization.

What are some positive exchanges for SET?

support, recognition, fairness and trust. Strengthen engagement and commitment

What are some negative exchanges for SET?

Lack of support, unfair treatment, lack of recognition, distrust.

Define SET Reciprocity

Employees may respond to positive or negative treatment
with corresponding attitudes and behaviors

What is the main idea of the employee Organization Relationship (EOR)

Focuses on the overall relationship that develops between an
employee and the organization over time.

What is employee perceptions?

Whether employees feel supported, valued, and
fairly treated by the organization

What are some organizational experiences?

Support, recognition, fair treatment, resources, and development opportunities can shape the relationship.

what is relationship quality?

A stronger employee–organization relationship
can contribute to greater engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

What is the difference between SET and EOR?

SET focuses on
the give-and-take process, while EOR focuses on the relationship that
develops.