Identifying the complex relationships among emotional labor and its correlates

Studied since the late 70s, emotional labor has received much attention especially in the service product context due to its presumed double edged wedge potential. Several job-related and person-related factors are postulated and tested for influence on emotional labor. However, the influence of culture, as a blanket factor, has been overlooked thus far. The aim of this study is to measure the complex relationships between emotional labor and a few of its antecedents and outcomes, including those previously measured and those missed such as culture. A structural equation modeling approach is used to identify the complex relationships inherent among emotional labor and other relevant factors, namely, personality, culture, work experience, job autonomy, and job satisfaction; job satisfaction was identified as being dependent on emotional labor and all other variables were identified as being independent. Findings revealed a negative relationship between emotional labor and job satisfaction and a surprising positive relationship between emotional labor and neuroticism but not extraversion, which are both defined by cultural values. Job autonomy, affected by work experience and extraversion, had a positive relationship with job satisfaction.

Research highlights▶ This study examined antecedents of emotional labor and job satisfaction. ▶ Both job autonomy and emotional labor have significant impact on job satisfaction. ▶ Work experience and personality are two determinants of job autonomy perception. ▶ Personality traits have significant impact on emotional performance. ▶ Culture is a significant determinant of personality traits.