Do individual attachment styles in the workplace affect a follower’s job satisfaction, engagement and commitment?

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Authors
Ryan, Jillian
Issue Date
2014
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate if individual attachment styles of followers within the leader-follower relationship were associated with levels of job satisfaction, employee engagement and organisational commitment. A cross sectional sample of 70 employees ranging from entry level to middle management were included in the study. Participants completed an online self report survey covering demographic items, followed by 4 existing questionnaires covering attachment, job satisfaction, employee engagement and commitment in the workplace. Results supported a negative relationship between anxious attachment and job satisfaction (R (65) = -0.295, p< 0.5). A positive relationship was found between anxious attachment and continuance commitment (R (59) = 0.383, p < .01) and avoidant attachment and normative commitment (R (59) = 0.269, p < .05), which although was contrary to the supposed hypotheses with respect to commitment, serves to add to the growing literature regarding the application of Attachment Theory to the workplace. Findings suggest further research is required, however indicate that addressing attachment styles in the workplace could have a beneficial outcome for the organisation and the individual.
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