Examination of Employee Alignment as a Predictor of Work Engagement

Abstract

EXAMINATION OF EMPLOYEE ALIGNMENT AS A PREDICTOR OF WORK ENGAGEMENT By Troy Pasion-Caiani Work engagement, which is defined as a positive affective-motivational state of fulfillment in workers, characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption in a work role, has been shown to produce many benefits for both individuals and organizations. In the present study, employee alignment was introduced as an additional personal resource measuring employees’ attitudes and beliefs toward their organization, their leaders, and the mission, vision, and goals of their organization. Using a sample of 1,510 employees, this study examined perceived organizational support (POS), supportive leader behavior, and employee alignment as predictors of work engagement. Furthermore, this study tested the incremental validity of employee alignment in predicting work engagement above and beyond POS and supportive leader behavior. It was found that POS, supportive leader behavior, and employee alignment all positively predicted work engagement. Additionally, employee alignment was shown to have additive predictive validity above and beyond POS and supportive leader behavior. These findings suggest that if workers believe in their organization’s mission, vision, goals, leaders, and direction of the company, they are more likely to become engaged in their work role above and beyond perceived organizational support and supportive leader behaviors. Organizational strategies to increase work engagement through POS, supportive leader behavior, and employee alignment are suggested.