The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital in Predicting Decent Work

Abstract

Grounded in the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT), the current study aimed to explore the mediating role of psychological capital in predicting decent work. By utilizing the sample of 309 academic supporting staff at a Thai university, the mediation model was tested where psychological capital mediated the pathway from economic constraint to decent work. Results were mainly consistent with the previous PWT research but also showed divergent results. Economic constraint was shown to have a negative effect on psychological capital, which predicted decent work. In our model, work volition and career adaptability also showed to predict psychological capital, suggesting that those who have higher levels of work volition and career adaptability possessed higher psychological capital. Our study results shed light on the importance of psychological capital in enhancing the individuals’ psychological resources to attain decent work. Practical implications and limitations of the study are discussed.