Testing a model of some outcomes of perceived supervisor need support (Based on SDT)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test a model of some outcomes of perceived supervisor need support based on Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The participants of this study consisted of 193 employees of Marun Oil and Gas Producing Company in Khuzestan, who were selected by stratified random sampling method. The instruments used in the study were Need Support at Work Scale (Tafvelin & Stenling, 2018), Need Satisfaction at Work Scale (Tafvelin & Stenling, 2018), Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (Gagne et al., 2015), Employee Well-being Scale (Zheng et al., 2015), and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale–9 (Schaufeli et al., 2006). Structural equation modeling (SEM) through AMOS-24 was used for data analysis. The bootstrap procedure also used for testing the significance of the indirect effects. Results indicated that the proposed model fit the data properly. Better fit and more meaningful results obtained by omitting 1 non-significant path (controlled motivation to job engagement) and correlating the errors of 2 paths. Findings showed that all direct paths except controlled motivation to job engagement were significant. Results also supported the mediating role of need satisfaction and autonomous motivation in these relationships. Based on findings, SDT is a useful framework for predicting employee well-being and job engagement through need support, need satisfaction and motivation.