Title: Self-construction, work adjustment and thriving at work

Authors: Susanne G. Scott, Kellyann Berube Kowalski

Addresses: Charlton College of Business, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA. ' Charlton College of Business, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA

Abstract: In this article, we review and provide a framework for understanding recent research on work adjustment. Work adjustment is defined as a process rather than an outcome, and it occurs through self-and social construction. We describe two paths to work adjustment that have been identified in the organisational literature, and we provide a third path – liminality – which has not yet received much attention in the literature. The work adjustment process has significant implications for employee well-being, as well as motivation and performance.

Keywords: management development; self construction; work adjustment; thriving at work; social construction; socialisation; issue selling; job crafting; organisational identification; liminality; employee well-being; employee motivation; employee performance; job satisfaction; employee involvement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMD.2011.039956

International Journal of Management Development, 2011 Vol.1 No.1, pp.98 - 109

Published online: 28 Nov 2014 *