Job characteristics, work involvement, and job performance of public servants

Abstract

Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to assess the predicting role of job characteristics on job performance. Dimensions in the job characteristics construct are skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy and feedback. Further, work involvement is tested as a mediator in the hypothesized link. Design/methodology/approach A total of 256 public servants reported on their job characteristics and work involvement while supervisory ratings were used to assess their level of job performance. SPSS version 14 and AMOS 16 were used for statistical analyses of the data. A hypothesized structural equation model was tested to examine both direct and indirect influence of job characteristics on job performance. Findings The findings revealed that task significance and feedback significantly influence job performance and the relationships are mediated by work involvement. Skill variety, however, has a significant and direct influence on public servants’ job performance. Research limitations/implications The research results have provided support for the key theoretical propositions. Specifically, this study has managed to substantiate some empirical evidences in partial support of the job characteristics theory. Practical implications As for practical implication, the significant and positive impact of skill variety, task significance and feedback on job performance suggests the importance of these job characteristics dimensions in promoting high level of job performance among public servants. Originality/value This study aims to provide additional empirical evidence in support of the job characteristics theory. The theoretical framework of this study managed to substantiate empirical evidence in partial support of the job characteristics theory.