A Test of Competing Theoretical Models of Meaningful Work as a Moderator in the Curvilinear Relationship Between Job Insecurity and Employee Voice

This study examined the curvilinear relationship between job insecurity and employee voice behaviors and whether meaningful work may moderate this relationship. We proposed competing hypotheses built on the premise of social exchange theory, which supports a U-shaped curvilinear relationship between job insecurity and voice, and the principle of activation theory, which posits an inverted U-shaped relationship between job insecurity and voice. Moreover, we posited that meaningful work may intensify the impact of job insecurity on employee voice. Using a two-wave cross-lagged design with a sample of 162 employees and controlling for voice at Time 1, we found that the inverted U-shaped relationship between job insecurity at Time 1 and voice at Time 2 was stronger among those reporting high (vs. low) meaningful work. The results support activation theory and demonstrate psychological vulnerability of those whose work is meaningful, but unfortunately, who face job insecurity.