Linking calling orientations to organizational attachment via organizational instrumentality

Abstract

Despite an emerging interest in callings, researchers know little about whether calling orientations matter in the workplace. We explore the under-examined relationship between a calling orientation and employees’ attachment to their organizations. Although some theory suggests that callings may be negatively related to organizational attachment, we use theories of role investment and identification convergence to predict that a calling orientation is positively associated with organizational identification and negatively associated with turnover intention. Further, drawing on goal facilitation theory, we suggest that organizational instrumentality—the perception that the organization is instrumental to goal fulfillment—mediates the relationships between a calling orientation and both forms of organizational attachment. Finally, we predict that a security-oriented organizational culture will enhance attachment among those with low levels of calling orientation. In a sample of health care professionals, we find general support for our hypotheses.