Gender Differences in Commitment to State Employment: The Role of Coworker Relationships

Abstract

Using survey data from a large sample of state employees, this research investigates gender differences in affective organizational commitment to state employment. Following relational cohesion theory, I hypothesize that perceived emotional support among workers within the workplace is positively associated with affective commitment to state employment. I also expect that women’s greater commitment to state employment compared with men is due to their higher levels of perceived coworker support. The results of the analyses largely support the hypotheses and suggest that public-sector managers would do well to encourage the development of supportive relationships among employees.