4479 - WORKING WITH ROBOTS, JOB AUTONOMY, AND EUDAIMONIC WELLBEING AT WORK: A MODERATED MEDIATION MODEL

Session: 4475 - "TECHNOLOGY AT WORK: CHALLENGES AND POTENTIALITIES OF ROBOTIZATION IN THE WORKPLACE"
AUTHORS:
Roma Vicente Gonzales (University of Valencia ~ Valencia ~ Spain) , Schweizer Theresa (University of Valencia ~ Valencia ~ Spain) , Peiró José María (University of Valencia ~ Valencia ~ Spain)
Abstract text:
The number of robots implemented in organizations is increasing on a steady basis. This is changing the nature of jobs. Therefore, it is paramount to investigate how working with robots is influencing work characteristics. This research will provide knowledge that can be used to strengthen the functional consequences of working with robots and mitigate the dysfunctional ones. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the Frequency of Interaction with Robots while working (FIR) and job autonomy (a key work characteristics). Moreover, we investigated: 1. whether this relationship is moderated by attitudes towards robots, and 2. the indirect "effect" of FIR on eudaimonic wellbeing (personal growth at work) through job autonomy, and work engagement/emotional exhaustion. The sample study was composed of 299 employees from a manufacturing company. The results obtained showed a positive relationship between FIR and job autonomy. Moreover, FIR showed a positive indirect "effect" on personal growth at work via job autonomy and work engagement. This indirect "effect" and the FIR-job autonomy relationship were moderated by attitudes toward robots, so that the relations became stronger when attitudes toward robots increased. Our study shows some ways in which the implementation of robots is changing the nature of jobs and how these changes are affecting employee wellbeing.