Core self-evaluations as a moderator of the stressor-strain-satisfaction relationships among farm managers in New Zealand

Abstract

Aim: This research seeks to determine the role of core self evaluations in understanding individual differences in the stress-strain-satisfaction process. The research also seeks to determine whether farm managers who report positive core self-evaluations are more resilient towards stressors and, therefore, less prone to strain and more satisfied with their job and life in the farming context. Design methodology: A national representative and cross-sectional survey method is used by utilizing an adapted version of Deary‟s Edinburgh Farming Stress Inventory, the twelve-item Core Self-Evaluations measure, General Health Questionnaire-12, and Job and Life Satisfaction measures. The sampling frame consists of farm managers in New Zealand. Findings: The twelve-item core self-evaluations measurement scale was validated and a six-item farm stressors scale was established. The research supported the hypothesis that high levels of strain are related to job dissatisfaction. In addition, this research confirms that New Zealand farm managers experience relatively low strain as a result of the low impact of farm stressors. Finally, the results showed support for a significant relationship between strain and job and life satisfaction. Results also indicated that higher core self-evaluations buffered the negative influences of farm stressors on strain, and strain on job satisfaction. Contributions/implications: The contributions of this research are both methodological and theoretical. The twelve-item core self-evaluations measurement scale has been tested for robustness as a higher-order latent construct. This research has also enabled comparisons of the different levels of psychological strain experienced by New Zealand and Australian/European farm managers. The low core self-evaluations individuals are not able to tolerate increased work pressure, and experience reduced job satisfaction and, consequently, reduced life satisfaction when compared to the high core self-evaluations individuals. These results will be of particular interest to policy-makers, farming organisations, and contractors interested in identifying individuals who have the potential for career success. Originality: This study extends research on core self-evaluations as a moderator. It establishes a new paradigm in work stress research, in particular, solidifying the stressor and strain, and strain and job satisfaction relationships in the workplace, and establishing Core Self-Evaluations as a moderator of those relationships.