An exploration of the domains of work insecurity /

This thesis explores insecurity about four types of involuntary work transition. These are labeled here domain insecurities and include job facet insecurity, job loss insecurity, occupation insecurity and employment insecurity. The primary purpose was to distinguish the insecurities conceptually and demonstrate their independence empirically. The domain insecurities were defined and their features identified from a review of literature on various work attitudes. Viable cognitive and affective measures of insecurity were suggested from the conceptual discussion. Data were collected through a self-report questionnaire distributed using a snowball methodology. Validation of the proposed insecurity measures against reliable correlates of insecurity (pessimism and anxiety) supported operationalizing insecurity by affect alone. Correlation analysis clearly distinguished the domain insecurities. The secondary purpose of the thesis was to explore the content and nomological network of the domain insecurities. To this end, key features of the domain insecurities were scrutinized. This analysis particularly set employment insecurity apart from the other insecurities. Data were collected on antecedents and coping with the insecurities. Multiple regression analysis using a repeated-measures design yielded common antecedents of the four insecurities. A significant interaction emerged between age and domain, reflecting different occupational and employment concerns across age groups. Factor analysis with varimax rotation of the coping checklist developed for this thesis supported the formation of four coping scales: palliation, job search, self-development through education, and withdrawal. Multiple regression analysis using a repeated-measures design revealed that people cope with all insecurities through palliation, withdrawal and self-development activities. Significant interactions emerged that confirmed the targeted use of job search activities i