The Influence of Self-Efficacy, Optimism, Hope and Resilience on Work Engagement: Role of Perceived Organizational Support as Mediator

Abstract

A bs t r act Lecturers have a significant influence on the process of quality development in higher education institutions, namely in fulfilling the targets of national education (enhancing intellectual capacity of the nation and developing civilized people). They can contribute to higher education institutions provided that they maintain effective efforts (in terms of quantity and direction), good attitudes, motivation to work and are supported by their institutions. Hence, it is crucial for lecturers to recognize their responsibility and performance, as well as measure their efforts according to the indicator of success. One way to improve organizational performance is by identifying the extent of lecturers’ work engagement. Several studies have examined such components of work engagement as self-efficacy, optimism, hope and resilience. The present study aims to consider several psychological constructs related to self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience which influence work engagement, using a mediator variable of perceived organizational support on lecturers of public higher education institutions in Surakarta. Samples include 393 lecturers of Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the application of Lisrel 8.70 program. The analysis results indicate that 1) the model is considered fit, 2) there is a significant influence of self-efficacy, optimism, hope and resilience on lecturers’ work engagement, and 3) perceived organization support is a good mediator to connect the variables. Keywords: work engagement, perceived organizational support, self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience