Longitudinal Job Crafting Research: A Meta-Analysis

This study updates and extends upon previous meta-analyses by examining the key antecedents and outcomes within the longitudinal job crafting literature. Using a robust statistical approach that disattenuates correlations for measurement error, we further extend past work by exploring the moderating effect of time on the relationship between job crafting and its key correlates. A systematic literature search gathered all current longitudinal research on job crafting, resulting in k = 66 unique samples in the current analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for overall job crafting and also for each individual facet of job crafting dimensions. Results showed that both overall job crafting and the individual facets of job crafting had moderate to strong, positive correlations with all variables included in this analysis, except for burnout and neuroticism which were negatively associated. A similar pattern of findings was largely present for all individual facets of job crafting. The exception to this was decreasing hindering demands crafting that had weak, negative associations with all correlates examined, except for burnout where a moderate, positive association was found. Findings from the moderation analysis for work engagement, job performance, and job satisfaction showed that although there was a clear downward trend of correlational effect sizes over time, they did not reach significance. The current study contributes to the job crafting literature by advancing previous meta-analyses, demonstrating the effect that job crafting has on positive work outcomes for both the employee and organisation over time. We conclude by exploring the implications for future research and practice. © The Author(s) 2024.