We investigate the nonlinear relationship between emotional work demands (EWDs) and job satisfaction across different levels of work passion.
We analyzed data from 267 practicing nurses at a large USA hospital, collected over three distinct time points using polynomial analysis.
Results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between EWDs and job satisfaction, with satisfaction peaking at moderate levels of EWDs. This pattern applies to individuals with lower work passion. For high-passion individuals, findings indicate a more complex pattern characterized by increased satisfaction at moderate-to-high EWDs and a marginally significant decrease at low-to-moderate EWDs.
For high-passion employees, organizations should assign higher EWDs strategically while ensuring support during lower-demand periods. For low-passion employees, maintaining moderate demands is optimal. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating work passion assessments in personnel selection and work design optimization.
This study challenges the often-assumed linear relationship between increased work demands and job satisfaction. By integrating job demands-resources and activation theories, we highlight unique mechanisms through which work passion shapes demand appraisal and response in emotionally demanding contexts.
