Examination of the relationship between positive psychological capital and work engagement

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of psychological capital on work engagement. The study consists of three distinct sections. The first section presents a theoretical framework regarding work engagement and psychological capital. The second section outlines the background of the research including the research problem, questions, model, and hypotheses. The third section presents the analyses and findings. Finally discussions and conclusions are provided based on the obtained findings. Quantitative research methods were employed in accordance with the aims of this study. Work engagement was measured using the "Work Engagement Scale," developed by Schaufeli et al. (2002) and adapted into Turkish by Turgut (2011); positive psychological capital was measured through the "Psychological Capital Scale," developed by Luthans, Youssef, and Avolio (2007) and adapted into Turkish by Oruç (2018). The necessary data for the study were obtained through online and face to face surveys. A total of 401 participants employed in various sectors of both the public and private sectors from different provinces of Turkey took part in the study. Independent samples T tests, correlation, and regression analyses were utilized to examine differences within the research. The study investigated the impact of employees' positive psychological capital and its subdimensions (self efficacy, hope, psychological resilience, optimism) on their levels of work engagement, as well as the relationships between the variables. Additionally, the levels of differentiation of the variables in terms of socio demographic characteristics were examined. According to the research findings, it was determined that employees have high levels of work engagement and positive psychological capital. The correlation analysis conducted revealed a strong positive relationship between the total score of work engagement and its subdimensions (vigor, absorption, dedication) and the total score of psychological capital and its components (self efficacy, hope, psychological resilience, optimism). The regression analysis indicated that the hope component had a medium level positive and statistically significant effect on work engagement. The self efficacy and optimism components showed a low level positive and statistically significant effect on the total work engagement score. However the psychological resilience component did not have a significant effect on the total work engagement score. These findings are discussed in detail in the discussion section. Keywords: Work Engagement, Psychological Capital, Positive Psychology