Too much may be a bad thing: the difference between challenge and hindrance job demands

Job demands and employee motivations are studied through a challenging-disruptive needs framework. However, studies on challenging demands show mixed results due to the difference in the level of demand and effect of moderating variables. In this study, based on the Yerkes-Dodson law and conservation of resources theory, the non-linear relationship between challenging demand and work engagement, linear relationship between hindrance demand and work engagement, and moderating effect of stress were verified. A total of 3914 people were surveyed. The results showed that hindrance demand had a negative linear relationship with work engagement. Moreover, challenging demand had a positive effect on work engagement till a certain level, but had an inverted-U relationship with a negative influence thereafter. Stress mindset moderated these relationships and the negative effects of challenging and hindrance demands weakened for a stress-enhancing-mindset. Based on these results, theoretical and practical implications and future research directions were proposed.

Automated summary

Job demands and employee motivations were examined using a challenging-disruptive needs framework. However, previous research on challenging demands yielded mixed results due to variations in demand level and moderating variables. This study confirmed the non-linear relationship between challenging demand and work engagement, the linear relationship between hindrance demand and work engagement, and the moderating effect of stress, based on the Yerkes-Dodson law and conservation of resources theory. A survey of 3914 individuals revealed a negative linear relationship between hindrance demand and work engagement. Additionally, challenging demand had a positive effect on work engagement up to a certain level, but beyond that, it had an inverted-U relationship and negatively affected work engagement. The mindset of stress moderated these relationships, with the negative effects of challenging and hindrance demands mitigated for those with a stress-enhancing mindset. The findings have theoretical and practical implications and suggest potential directions for future research.