Work beliefs, work-role fit, and well-being of judges in South Africa: Effects on intention to leave and organisational citizenship behaviour

Abstract

This study explored work beliefs, work-role fit, well-being, intention to leave, and organisational citizenship behaviour in a sample of judges in South Africa. We employed an exploratory, multi-method design to survey South African judges (n = 25 for the qualitative study and n = 28 for the quantitative study). Findings from qualitative analyses indicated that most judges were flourishing in their roles, with a strong calling orientation to their work. The judges perceived serving the public, making a difference to people’s lives, and contributing to justice as more rewarding than financial compensation. Results following multidimensional scaling indicated two work-related well-being dimensions; namely subjective well-being versus behavioural intention, and fitting in and doing good versus discontented withdrawal. Concerning fitting in and doing good, work-role fit among the judges was strongly related to organisational citizenship behaviour. Regarding discontented withdrawal, judges’ intentions to leave was strongly related to reduced emotional well-being. The findings imply that both dimensions of work-related well-being are relevant to the optimal functioning and retention of judges.