Evaluation of demands seen as either challenges or hindrances and its impact on the effectiveness and well-being of employees

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to describe the concept of challenge and hindrance job demands. It discusses Cavanaugh et al.’s theory and reviews the literature on the impact of challenge and hindrance job demands on employees. In general, the review suggests that challenges are related positively and hindrances negatively with employees’ wellbeing, efficiency and job attitudes. However, the results are not unequivocal. It seems that individual perception - whether an employee perceives job demands as challenging or hindering - plays a crucial role in the relationship. The review also suggests that individual and psychosocial resources play an important role – as mediators and moderators – in the way that hindrances and challenges influence employees. This article also discusses directions of future research.