title: Work happiness among teachers: a day reconstruction study on the role of self-concordance.
abstract: Self-concordant work motivation arises from one's authentic choices, personal values, and interests. In the present study, we investigated whether self-concordant motivation may fluctuate from one work-related task to the next. On the basis of self-determination theory, we hypothesized that momentary self-concordance buffers the negative impact of momentary work demands on momentary happiness. We developed a modified version of the day reconstruction method to investigate self-concordance, work demands, and happiness during specific work-related tasks on a within-person and within-day level. In total, 132 teachers completed a daily diary on three consecutive work days as well as a background questionnaire. The daily diary resulted in 792 reported work activities and activity-related work demands, self-concordance, and happiness scores. Multilevel analysis showed that-for most work activities-state self-concordant motivation buffered the negative association of work demands with happiness. These findings add to the literature on motivation and well-being by showing that the levels of self-concordance and happiness experienced by employees vary significantly on a within-day level and show a predictable pattern. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of the findings to increase employees' well-being.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: maja.tadic@pilar.hr.
authors.forename: Maja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tadić
authors.forename: Arnold B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Bakker
authors.forename: Wido G M
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Oerlemans
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation / Q000502:physiology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Day reconstruction method; Happiness; Job demands; Self-concordance; Self-determination theory