Why the long hours? Job demands and social exchange dynamics.
BACKGROUND
This study investigates the determinants of long working hours from the perspectives of the demand-control model [Karasek, 1979] and social exchange theory [Blau, 1964; Goulder, 1960].


OBJECTIVE
These two theoretical perspectives are tested to understand why individuals work longer (or shorter) hours.


METHODS
The hypotheses are tested with a representative sample of 1,604 employed Canadians.


RESULTS
In line with Karasek's model, the results support that high job demands are positively associated with longer work hours. The social exchange perspective would predict a positive association between skill discretion and work hours. This hypothesis was supported for individuals with a higher education degree. Finally, the results support a positive association between active jobs and longer work hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Our research suggests that job demands and social exchange dynamics need to be considered together in the explanation of longer (or shorter) work hours.
School of Industrial Relations, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Emilie
E
Genin
School of Industrial Relations, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Victor Y
VY
Haines
Department of Demography, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
David
D
Pelletier
School of Industrial Relations, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Vincent
V
Rousseau
School of Industrial Relations, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Alain
A
Marchand
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D013997:Time Factors; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology*; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
Work hours; job demands; job design; skill discretion