Abstract
Purpose
Affective events theory (AET) highlights the
importance of work events as antecedents of
affective states. However, research has so far
lacked propositions about the kind of work
events that elicit certain positive or negative
affective states. Our goal was to provide in‐
sight into the kind of events that occur fre‐
quently in the workplace by systematically
classifying positive and negative work events
and by investigating more fine‐grained rela‐
tionships between job features, distinct work
events, and affect as proposed in AET.
Design/Methodology
A taxonomy of four positive and seven nega‐
tive work event clusters was developed and
applied in a diary study on 348 employees.
Results
Multilevel regression analyses showed that
daily work events functioned as mechanisms
in the relationship between daily job features
and affective states. For instance, positive
events from the cluster goal attainment, task‐
related success mediated the relationship
between job autonomy and complexity with
positive activated affect. Negative events from
the cluster ambiguity, insecurity, loss of con‐
trol mediated the relationship between time
pressure, job autonomy and complexity with
negative activating affect.
Limitations
As one limitation, our results cannot ensure
causality.
Research/Practical Implications
Our research provides a basis for the refine‐
ment of AET. It helps to develop some clearer
predictions on which kinds of events are
judged as important in the work day.
Originality/Value
By examining distinct work events as anteced‐
ents of affective states, a better understand‐
ing of affective experiences at work is possi‐
ble. Further, we provide a comprehensive
checklist that can be used in future diary stud‐
ies to assess work events.
Users
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