How should job crafting interventions be implemented to make their effects last? Study protocol of group concept mapping

Abstract

AbstractBy means of job crafting (JC) employees shape and customize their job design to align it with their preferences. Research has so far shown that such bottom-up proactivity can be stimulated via JC interventions. While the overall effectiveness behind these interventions has been supported, it is unclear how to implement these interventions to make their effects lasting. The overall aim of this project will be to investigate how to implement JC interventions with lasting effects. We will apply a group concept mapping (GCM) methodology, which is a mixed methods approach for engaging stakeholder groups in a structured conceptualization process. As part of concept mapping procedures, brainstorming sessions will be conducted with experts in job crafting to identify factors expected to make job crafting intervention effects lasting. These factors will be sorted by similarity and rated by each participant in regard to their perceived importance and feasibility to ensure lasting, sustainable effects. The data will be analyzed using multidimensional scaling (MDS), hierarchical cluster analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics, resulting in a visual representation of conceptually distinguished clusters representing the factors influencing sustainability of JC interventions. In the final step of the GCM methodology, a workshop will be conducted with the participants to facilitate interpretation of the results. This study will provide knowledge relevant to organizational practitioners and scholars who want to implement JC interventions with lasting effects.