Dash of grit, a smidgen of stressor management and a pinch of regulatory tendencies to be engaged?

Abstract

This paper involved a path analysis of a new measure of grit to understand work engagement. Recent studies have found significant correlations between both constructs; however an explanation of "how" grit plays a role in work engagement is opaque (Robertson-Kraft & Duckworth, 2014; Suzuki, Tamesue, Asahi, & Ishikawa, 2015). The hypothesized model of this study failed to fit the data. Data fit problems likely relate to significant contrasts of two different samples and unsupported theory for the overall model. However, several findings resulted from this study. Grit was found to correlate to work engagement for nursing related staff; whereas, business executives there was no support. Evidence suggest nurses possibly experience a reduction in challenge stressors when they suppress their emotions. In contrast, business executives likely increase hindrance stressors from suppression. Results of this study hint at the notion different groups of people appraise stressors uniquely relative to work engagement.