Methodological and substantive extensions to the job characteristics model of motivation

Abstract

Three issues arising from the job characteristics model of motivation (J. R. Hackman & G. R. Oldham, Organizational Behavior and Human Performance 1976, 16, 250–279) are addressed: (1) the validity of the motivating potential score (MPS) formula based on the hypothesis that all three psychological states are necessary for internal motivation to exist; (2) the validity of the hypothesized two-stage moderating effect of growth need strength (GNS); and (3) the effects of valences of the psychological states upon personal and work outcomes. Analytic techniques employed by previous researchers are shown to be inadequate. Hierarchical multiple regression techniques are outlined which permit valid tests of the model. Results from a sample of 90 respondents indicate: (1) no support for the current MPS formulation; (2) some support for the GNS moderating effect on the job dimensions-psychological states relationship, but no support for the moderating effect of GNS on the psychological states-outcomes relationship; (3) evidence for an interaction of psychological states and valences of psychological states in influencing internal motivation.