Minutes

How does having power in a job influence perceptions of work pressures and the sense of influence and control?    

Researchers studied two competing theories: the situated focus theory of power – how people see their job demands as a big part of having power, allowing achievement and control; and the challenge-hindrance theory –where work demands cause stress and worry, yet motivate. Both help and challenge workers. 

Over 3 workweeks, they collected data on 83 professional employees. Participants completed electronic surveys measuring demographics and neuroticism – a personality trait associated with negative emotions such as anger, anxiousness, and irritability. Participants also completed surveys 3 times per day, measuring experienced power, meaningfulness, job demands, goal progress, physical discomfort, and anxiety.  

Results? Having power can lead to job demands that have both good effects – leading to progress and a sense of purpose, and bad effects – causing physical discomfort and anxiety. People who feel power and exhibit higher neuroticism can strengthen their power and goal progress. Thus   see their jobs as demanding but rewarding. How employees view job demands greatly affects their feelings and future actions.  

Employers! Help employees in power positions better manage anxiety and encourage team collaboration to enhance team effectiveness.