Self-Efficacy, Work Passion and Wellbeing: A Theoretical Framework

Abstract

Passion has captivated researchers of different disciplines for centuries. While the concept of passion for work has received a good deal of attention in the popular press, theoretical and empirical researches have lagged behind. The purpose of this review is to analyze the concept of passion from different perspectives and offer a cohesive definition of passion for work with its underlying dimensions. Further, the authors have tried to propose a theoretical framework, where, self-efficacy is hypothesized to facilitate passion for work, which in turn will enhance employee wellbeing. Directions for future research and implications for management practice are discussed as well.IntroductionYou've got to find what you love... Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.- Steve Jobs, the late CEO, Apple Inc.In today's era of rapidly changing environment, organizations are focusing more on its human capital to gain competitive advantage as all other resources like technology, capital, and machines can either be bought or copied (Pfeffer, 1994 and 1998; and Burke and Cooper, 2004). As a result of technological advancements, workforce diversification, globalization, etc., the nature of work has become increasingly demanding, resulting in higher level of stress and burnout among employees. To effectively respond to these competitive pressures, organizations need workers who bring passion to their work to navigate challenges and accelerate performance improvement. Recruiting people with passion rather than skill sets and creating work environment that fosters it, can help organizations to overcome the challenges imposed by changing the nature of work, as passionate employees are considered to be lively, enthusiastic and eager people, who can communicate and spread optimism and positive energy. They easily adapt to new and challenging situations, as they always remain focused and dedicated to their goal (Gubman, 2004).Recent researches reveal that passion has a potential to be developed and can be fostered by providing the supportive environment (Perttulla, 2004; Cardon et al., 2009; and Fredricks et al, 2010). But very few attempts have been made till date to identify factors that affect passion at workplace and its possible outcomes. In this paper, we have proposed that self-efficacy positively affects one's passion for work. Self-efficacy is the belief in one's capabilities to organize and execute the course of action required to produce given attainments (Bandura, 1997). It is not concerned with the skills one possesses, but rather with the appraisal of what one can attain with the skills one currently possesses. The authors have also proposed that passion for work is positively related to the wellbeing of employee. The concept of wellbeing refers to optimal psychological functioning and experience (Ryan and Deci, 2001). Passionate employees are considered to be happier than their counterparts (Philippe et al., 2009). This framework will help organizations to develop and foster employee work passion.Although the concept of passion has received a good deal of attention in various disciplines like philosophy, theology, psychology and social psychology, yet there exists very few studies which focus on the concept of passion at workplace. Thus, the main purpose of this review is to study the concept of passion at workplace. We have presented various researches that support this framework, which can also be tested by researchers in future. And finally, we present the conclusion and managerial implications. This research study's contribution lies in providing new insights into the concept of passion at workplace.Literature ReviewAccording to Oxford Dictionary, 'passion' means an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. …