DO HIGH JOB DEMANDS INCREASE INTRINSIC MOTIVATION OR FATIGUE OR BOTH? THE ROLE OF JOB CONTROL AND JOB SOCIAL SUPPORT.

Abstract

Examined whether job control and job social support reduce signs of fatigue and enhance intrinsic motivation among employees facing high job demands. 555 nurses (mean age 35.5 yrs) working at specialized units for patients with different levels of mental deficiency completed surveys regarding: (1) job demands; (2) job control; (3) job social support; (4) fatigue; and (5) intrinsic motivation. Results show that job control reduced fatigue in highly demanding jobs, whereas high levels of instrumental support produced elevated levels of intrinsic motivation, regardless of the level of job control and job demands.