Employee moonlighting: a review and research agenda

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to present a literature review on the emerging field of employee moonlighting, which refers to holding more than one job at a time. It also attempts to integrate the literature on employee moonlighting and present the related research themes.Design/methodology/approachThis is a systematic literature review (SLR) using the basic guidelines of SLR. A search string is designed, and the prominent database is searched. The results are screened based on self-designed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The qualitative analysis of selected 89 research studies uses inductive thematic analysis and proposes a framework.FindingsThe outcome of the present study consists of a conceptual framework, themes and sub-themes related to employee moonlighting, propositions, and the pictorial representation of the overall outcome. The four key themes that emerged are determinants and traits of moonlighting intentions, the impact of moonlighting on employer and employee, policy, and economic implications, respectively.Originality/valueThe study provides insight into the factors that lead to moonlighting intentions and activity. The managers can understand and analyze these factors and can formulate policies to streamline the moonlighting activity with the organizational goals and for the company’s benefit. Academic scholars can adopt some research ideas from the themes and gaps suggested and can work on them in the near future.