This two-part study used a field study and experimental vignette design to investigate predictors (extent of change, adaptability, and communication) of threat, hindrance, and challenge appraisals of change. The field study also examined employee well-being, job attitudes, and behaviors as outcomes of these appraisals. Drawing from stress appraisal theory, the primary goal of the study was to add to our knowledge of how personal characteristics and contextual factors relate to positive and negative appraisals of change and how those appraisals manifest in employee related outcomes. I hypothesized that adaptability and high-quality communication would function as resources that promote positive appraisals, but reduce negative appraisals, of change, especially when changes were extensive. The field study sampled hospitality workers in the greater Orlando area and hospitality workers in the US on Prolific.com. The experimental vignette design sampled college students.
Overall, the results from both the studies provide evidence that changes can be appraised as positive or negative events, which has implications for employee well-being, attitudes, and behaviors. Across both studies, changes that were more extensive were appraised as threats, while change communication had a negative relationship with threat appraisal and a positive one with challenge appraisal. Adaptability also had a positive relationship with challenge appraisals. In the field study, threat appraisals were associated with lower well-being and more negative job attitudes, while the opposite was found for challenge appraisal. Moreover, challenge appraisals of change were positively related to proactive work behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Outline of Studies
Major: Psychology – Industrial and Organizational, PhD
Educational Career:
M.S. Industrial/Organizational Psychology UCF
B.S. Psychology Texas A&M
Committee in Charge
Committee Chair: Steve Jex
Department Committee Member: Kristin Horan
Department Committee Member: Mindy Shoss
Outside Committee Member: Steven Whiting
Other Committee Member: Cynthia Mejia
Approved for distribution by Dr. Steve Jex, Committee Chair, on January 19, 2023.
The public is welcome to attend. Meeting link can be obtained by request to the committee chair or the student.
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