Prof. Arnold B. Bakker
Organizational
Psychology
Ongoing Research​
Our research focuses on organizational behavior, including leadership and employee well-being. Below you will find some of our most recent research topics.
Job crafting
Job crafting refers to proactive employee behavior. Job crafters change the design of their jobs in small steps. They mobilize their job resources and increase their challenges. If necessary, job crafters reduce their job demands.
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We are currently investigating the effects of job crafting interventions. In addition, we examine whether employees spontaneously engage in job crafting on a daily basis.
Happiness
Happiness is a positive experience that may be achieved after eating an ice cream or after a big achievement. The former type is called hedonic happiness, and the latter is called eudomonic happiness.
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We use the day reconstruction method to find out what makes people happy on a daily basis.
Go to the Happiness Indicator.
Momentary Engagement
Work engagement refers to an affective motivational state of energy, dedication, and absorption. Engaged workers are full with energy, and enthusiastic about their work. They are often immersed in their work activities.
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Momentary engagement refers to a brief experience that may fluctuate within the day, from activity to activity. We use smartphones to collect data. Please contact us in case you are interested in momentary engagement studies.
Burnout
Burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion and a cynicial attitude towards work and the people with whom one works.
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We investigate how people who are at risk for burnout cope with their job demands and resources on a daily basis. Do burned-out individuals show self-handicapping behaviors?
Here is a link to the Psychology Press page on our most recent book on job burnout.