Psychological capital as the missing puzzle piece: re-evaluating flexible work’s impact on employee performance and commitment
Sara Krösche, Henning TirrelPurpose
Using flexible work arrangements (FWAs) has increased, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in mixed effects on employees. This study aims to examine the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in linking FWAs to adaptive performance (AP) and affective commitment (AC).
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 202 employees across Germany were analysed using structural equation modelling.
Findings
FWAs are positively related to PsyCap (β = 0.395, p = 0.000), which in turn strongly predicts AC (β = 0.542, p = 0.000) and AP (β = 0.653, p = 0.000). The indirect effect of FWAs on AP via PsyCap is significant (β = 0.258, p = 0.000), indicating partial mediation.
Originality/value
This nationwide study in Germany contributes to knowledge by proposing an innovative conceptual model, highlighting the pivotal role of PsyCap as the missing puzzle piece in explaining the inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between FWAs and employee-related outcomes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study examining the mediating role of PsyCap in this research stream.