A qualitative study of coping strategies in the context of job insecurity

Abstract

Since the late 1970s economic recessions, technological changes and intensified global competition have dramatically changed the nature of work. For employees, these changes cause feelings of insecurity regarding the nature and future existence of their jobs. The aim of this study is to examine the factors that influence the coping strategies that employees may choose when they face job insecurity. A qualitative research is conducted with several in-depth interviews, and the results suggest that among many coping strategies with job insecurity, employees may engage in organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) or job search behavior depending on personal and organizational variables. This study enhances the literature in two ways: First of all, previous studies have treated OCB and job search behavior as consequences of job insecurity whereas this paper treats them as coping strategies. Additionally, this qualitative study investigates the relationship between situational and dispositional factors and adoption of coping strategies. Employers face the challenge of retaining human element by providing an environment of job security in order to keep their talented human resources high performing and motivated. Therefore it is also aimed to provide managerial suggestions on a practical organizational problem by shedding light on how organizations can enhance the adoption of constructive coping strategies.