Spirit at work and its impact on employee outcomes in Australian higher education

Abstract

This study adopted a mixed methods approach, with the quantitative element forming the core component and the qualitative dimension assuming the supplementary component to assess Job Satisfaction (JS)and Organisational Commitment (OC) as mediators in the relationship between Spirit at Work (SAW) and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour(OCB) within the Australian higher education sector. It is expected that by 2025, job satisfaction and burnout will cause large numbers of academic staff to leave Australian universities. Regression and structural equation modelling analysed the study’s quantitative data. NVivo was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings illustrate that SAW significantly affects OCB, JS and OC. Most notably, the results indicate no significant differences between the permanent and casual staff’s level of SAW and none between their JS, OC and OCB levels. This finding contradicts previous research. The overall findings in this article further highlight necessary changes to Australian universities’ current management and leadership approaches to create more satisfied and committed employees.