Job Insecurity and the Changing Workplace: Recent Developments and the Future Trends in Job Insecurity Research

Abstract

This article updates our understanding of the field of job insecurity (JI) by incorporating studies across the globe since 2003, analyzes what we know, and offers ideas on how to move forward. We begin by reviewing the conceptualization and operationalization of job insecurity. We then review empirical studies of the antecedents, consequences, and moderators of JI effects, as well as the various theoretical perspectives used to explain the relationship of JI to various outcomes. Our analyses also consider JI research in different regions of the world, highlighting the cross-cultural differences. We conclude by identifying areas in need of future research. We propose that JI is and will continue to be a predominant employment issue, such that research into it will only increase in importance and relevance. In particular, we call for in-depth research that carefully considers the rapid changes in the workplace today and in the future.

Does job insecurity hinder innovative work behaviour? A threat rigidity perspective

“…On the other hand, future studies might also aim to examine TRT in concert with a framework based on inter‐individual processes, such as psychological contract theory, to gain knowledge on which pathway has the most explanatory strength. Last, as mentioned previously, technological progress in the form of automation, digital platforms and other innovations might make certain job tasks, and certain jobs in general, redundant (Lee et al, ). Consequently, a direction for future research might be to investigate the extent to which these technological developments influence job insecurity, and, in turn, the repercussions these changes have for employee‐driven innovation.…”

“…A promising line of study is to test these relationships with other variables that measure strain (such as need for recovery) or informa- (Lee et al, 2018). Consequently, a direction for future research might be to investigate the extent to which these technological developments influence job insecurity, and, in turn, the repercussions these changes have for employee-driven innovation.…”

“…From a practical point of view, the expected negative relation between JI and IWB presents an interesting paradox: while many organizations expect that restructuring and downsizing will enhance innovation, these organizational changes might actually lower IWB due to an increase in job insecurity (Probst, Stewart, Gruys, & Tierney, ). In addition, new technological changes such as automation and digitalization are decreasing the demand for certain types of work, and, consequently, job insecurity might be a feature in many employees' careers (Lee, Huang, & Ashford, ; Shoss, ). Within this context, IWB becomes even more valuable, as the European innovation policy considers the area of technology as a focal point (Møller, ).…”

Understanding the Relationship Between Job Insecurity and Performance: Hindrance or Challenge Effect?

“…In particular, this study makes a number of relevant contributions to the job insecurity literature. First, our research responds to the request to provide theoretical explanations on inconsistent findings regarding the job insecurityperformance link, as underlined in the recent reviews on job insecurity (Lee et al, 2018;Shoss, 2017). To accomplish this goal, we have used a procedure to test the balance between two potential and counteracting performance effects, that is, a model in which the mediation of psychological reactions was examined.…”

Job insecurity and performance over time: the critical role of job insecurity duration

“…Commercial rivalries around the globe, government deregulation, and rapid technological developments have put re-organizations, mergers, acquisitions, and downsizing on the agenda of companies worldwide (e.g., Lee et al, 2018). As a result, many individuals experience a situation of job insecurity in which they are concerned about their future job permanence (e.g., Van Vuuren and Klandermans, 1990).…”