A test of a multidimensional model of job insecurity: the case of Israeli teachers

Abstract

The research reported here adopted a multidimensional approach to studying job insecurity, using Israeli teachers as a case in point. Based on two determinants of job insecurity—unionization and kibbutz affiliation—four distinct employment types were identified: unionized city teachers, unionized kibbutz members, unionized kibbutz hirees, and non‐unionized personal contract teachers. The a priori job insecurity status of the four employment types matched the subjective reports of these teachers, supporting the external validity of the job insecurity scale used. The study explored the effect of job insecurity on work attitudes. Results indicated that job insecurity had an adverse effect on organizational commitment, perceived performance, perceived organizational support, intention to quit and resistance to change, supporting predictions in related literature. The results of this study have implications on the management of job insecurity in changing environments.

Outcomes of Job Insecurity Climate: The Role of Climate Strength

“…These results were replicated in multiple employment settings and in various European countries and in the US (see e.g. Sora, Caballer, & Peiró, 2010; De Jong, Schalk, & Croon, 2009; De Witte & Näswall, 2003; Adkins, Werbel, & Farh, 2001; Rosenblatt & Ruvio, 1996; Kuhnert & Palmer, 1991).…”

“…Perhaps the most important limitation of this study was its cross‐sectional design, which did not allow drawing conclusions on causal relationships. However, earlier research has been convincing in demonstrating that job insecurity and climate strength is likely to affect employees' attitudes rather than vice versa (for example, Adkins et al., 2001; Chirumbolo & Hellgren, 2003; De Witte, 1999; Hellgren, Sverke, & Isaksson, 1999; Rosenblatt & Ruvio, 1996; O'Quin & LoTempio, 1998; Lindell & Brandt, 2000; González‐Romá et al., 2002; Bliese & Britt, 2001). Still, it might be important to establish a longitudinal design to investigate job insecurity climate and its strength.…”

Investigation of the Multidimensional Model of Job Insecurity in China and the USA

“…Over the past decade, job insecurity (JI) has attracted increased research attention (e.g. Davy, Kinicki, & Scheck, 1997; Kinnunen, Mauno, Nätti, & Happonen, 2000; Lim, 1996; Mohr, 2000; Rosenblatt & Ruvio, 1996; Roskies, Louis‐Guerin, & Fournier, 1993; Westman, Etzion, & Danon, 2001). Job insecurity reflects the degree to which employees perceive their jobs to be threatened and feel powerless to do anything about it (Greenhalgh & Rosenblatt, 1984).…”

“…Job insecurity has been suggested as having adverse effects on organisational commitment, individual performance, trust in management, intention to quit, resistance to change, psychosomatic complaints, and stress and anxiety (cf. Davy et al, 1997; Kinnunen et al, 2000; Kuhnert, Sims, & Lahey, 1989; Mohr, 2000; Rosenblatt & Ruvio, 1996). According to Greenhalgh and Rosenblatt (1984), and as assessed by Ashford, Lee, and Bobko (1989), job insecurity may be caused by the threat of overall job loss, loss of any dimension of one's job, or the erosion of any employment condition.…”

“…Recently, components of this measure have been shown to be applicable to some non‐American cultural settings (e.g. Kinnunen et al, 2000; Mauno, Leskinen, & Kinnunen, 2001; Rosenblatt & Ruvio, 1996). While some researchers used a modified version of the Ashford et al (1989) 57‐item measure (e.g.…”