Too qualified to flow? The role of anti-work orientation in the overqualificationflow relationship
Abstract
Abstract: Flow is defined as a psychological state of deep immersion and full engagement in tasks, which comprises three dimensions – absorption, work enjoyment, and intrinsic work motivation – and has been associated with high levels of workplace well-being. However, factors such as perceived overqualification may undermine this positive experience. The present study aims to investigate whether perceived overqualification was negatively associated with flow at work and whether this relationship was mediated by anti-work orientation, which reflects negative attitudes toward work. The study included 339 workers from different generations and followed a quantitative research design. The results revealed a significant negative association between perceived overqualification and the flow state, as well as a significant and positive association between perceived overqualification and anti-work orientation. Although the results also suggested that anti-work orientation was negatively associated with the work enjoyment and intrinsic work motivation dimensions of flow, the mediating role of anti-work orientation was not confirmed. Some differences between groups were also explored, mainly regarding generational differences. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the
influence of perceived overqualification and anti-work orientation on the experience of flow, a relationship that remains underexplored in literature.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.14417/ap.2318
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