Towards a new model of work passion

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how work passion is conceptualised in a new setting and culture as well as to identify factors influencing work passion from the viewpoint of Arab workers. The study investigated the case of Jordanian hotel workers by conducting two focus groups with 16 participants, followed by 25 in-depth interviews. The findings indicate that passion is defined as an intense and positive feeling of the presence of 'enjoyment' in doing a particular job, which illustrates an emotional aspect. Passion depends on the presence of psychological (personal attachment), and situational (extrinsic) aspects. Passionate workers are assumed to show enthusiasm, commitment, and loyalty, representing the behavioural aspect of passion. Furthermore, passion is conceived as an advanced state but not detached from job involvement, engagement, and organisational commitment, meaning these can be engendered by the effect of passion. Although the Jordanian hotel employees were found to be not very different in terms of their conceptualising of work passion, this study presents new factors that are assumed to affect passion. Finally, contrary to what is proposed in the literature, passion was perceived only as a positive state and distinct from workaholism.