The Link Between Work Engagement and Job Performance

Abstract

Abstract. This study addresses the link between work engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption), task performance, and contextual performance. Following a systematic literature review, we identified 174 unique studies. Studies had to be set in an organizational environment, include a measure of work engagement as well as an objective or subjective measure of performance, and offer information concerning the link between work engagement and job performance, irrespective of whether it was the main aim of the study. Following a random-effects model, we obtained meta-analytic correlations of r =.36 ( N = 33 independent samples), r =.36 ( N = 26 independent samples), and r =.38 ( N = 29 independent samples) between the three components of work engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption), respectively, and job performance. For the overall work engagement and job performance, we report a correlation of r =.37 ( N = 166 independent samples). Furthermore, potential moderators of these relationships were examined. The findings highlight the importance of work engagement research for improving organizational performance.