Putting the Episodic Process Model to the Test: Explaining Intraindividual Fluctuations in Job Performance Across the Working Day

Abstract

We used ecological momentary assessments to examine the predictive value of the episodic process model to explain within-person fluctuations in job performance across the working day. Our sample consisted of 330 employees in knowledge-intensive jobs working fairly regular office hours, who responded to digital hourly surveys across one entire working day (2078 hourly measurements). Confirming the main predictions of the episodic process model of performance, multilevel analyses demonstrated that episodic energy levels (i.e., regulatory resources), as well as episodic task significance (i.e., task attentional pull) were related to higher levels of self-reported episodic performance. Additionally, in line with the episodic process model, a moderation analysis revealed that under conditions of low energy levels, episodic performance remains high if task significance is high (i.e., high task attentional pull). We moreover tested whether task attentional pull (time pressure, task significance) and off-task attentional demands (resisting distractions from work) jointly predicted episodic performance. The interaction effect on episodic performance of time pressure and resisting distractions revealed that the pull-effect of time pressure was more pronounced under conditions of low off-task attentional demands, thus lending additional support to the predictions of the episodic process model. Overall, our results show how the episodic process model can indeed explain within-person variations in performance across the working day. Our findings moreover underline the importance of energy levels at work for job performance.