Workplace fun and work engagement in tourism and hospitality: The role of psychological capital

Abstract

Although previous literature has examined the relationship between workplace fun and work engagement, the construct of psychological capital is introduced in the context of tourism and hospitality to investigate the mediating and moderating roles in this relationship. This research aimed to discuss the effect of workplace fun on psychological capital and further examine psychological capital’s mediating and moderating effects between workplace fun and work engagement. The survey data were taken from 331 front-line employees in customer service-oriented tourism and hospitality enterprises in Taiwan. The results showed that workplace fun has a significant positive effect on psychological capital. In addition, psychological capital plays a partial mediating role between workplace fun and work engagement. Moreover, psychological capital has a significant moderating effect between workplace fun and work engagement, namely, psychological capital can help to strengthen the relationship between workplace fun and work engagement. The implications and suggestions are discussed for tourism and hospitality operators.