Skip to main content
Top

02-12-2023

Uncertainty against Industry 4.0 and job insecurity: the moderated role of perceived employability, age, and educational level

Authors: Rocío Montero Barra, Patricia Garrido-Vásquez, Kathleen Otto, Mauricio E. Garrido Vásquez

Published in: International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance

Log in

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between uncertainty against Industry 4.0 and job insecurity. Additionally, it explores the moderating role of perceived employability, considering the age and education level of employees. We carried out a study on a sample of 224 Chilean workers. Correlational statistical analysis and a multiple regression analysis were conducted to establish the moderation relationship between the intervening variables. Results support the role of uncertainty against Industry 4.0 as a predictor of quantitative (i.e., risk of job loss) but not qualitative job insecurity (i.e., risk of losing valued job features). Further, we found evidence for the importance of the education level of workers in the previously posed relationship. These findings have theoretical and practical implications given that the higher the education level of the worker, the higher their perceived employability, which acts as a personal resource that moderates and decreases their job insecurity perception. Thus, organizations should consider these factors when implementing new technological changes to facilitate the adaptation of workers.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 340 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Versicherung + Risiko




Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Literature
go back to reference Anderson, C. J., & Pontusson, J. (2007). Workers, worries and welfare states: Social protection and job insecurity in 15 OECD countries. European Journal of Political Research, 46(2), 211–235.CrossRef Anderson, C. J., & Pontusson, J. (2007). Workers, worries and welfare states: Social protection and job insecurity in 15 OECD countries. European Journal of Political Research, 46(2), 211–235.CrossRef
go back to reference Arntz, M., Gregory, T., & Zierahn, U. (2016). The risk of automation for jobs in OECD countries: A comparative analysis. OECD social, employment and migration working papers, no. 189. Paris. Arntz, M., Gregory, T., & Zierahn, U. (2016). The risk of automation for jobs in OECD countries: A comparative analysis. OECD social, employment and migration working papers, no. 189. Paris.
go back to reference Audia, P., & Brion, S. (2007). Reluctant to change: Self-enhancing responses to diverging performance measures. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 102(2), 255–269.CrossRef Audia, P., & Brion, S. (2007). Reluctant to change: Self-enhancing responses to diverging performance measures. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 102(2), 255–269.CrossRef
go back to reference Barley, S. R. (2015). Why the internet makes buying a car less loathsome: How technologies change role relations. Academy of Management Discoveries, 1, 5–35.CrossRef Barley, S. R. (2015). Why the internet makes buying a car less loathsome: How technologies change role relations. Academy of Management Discoveries, 1, 5–35.CrossRef
go back to reference Becker, G. (1993). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis with special reference to education (3rd ed.). The University of Chicago Press.CrossRef Becker, G. (1993). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis with special reference to education (3rd ed.). The University of Chicago Press.CrossRef
go back to reference Bonekamp, L., & Sure, M. (2015). Consequences of Industry 4.0 in human labor and work organisation. Journal of Business and Media Psychology, 6(1), 33–40. Bonekamp, L., & Sure, M. (2015). Consequences of Industry 4.0 in human labor and work organisation. Journal of Business and Media Psychology, 6(1), 33–40.
go back to reference Boya, F., Demiral, Y., Ergor, A., Akvardar, Y., & De Witte, H. (2008). Effects of perceived job insecurity on perceived anxiety and depression in nurses. Industrial Health, 46, 613–619.CrossRef Boya, F., Demiral, Y., Ergor, A., Akvardar, Y., & De Witte, H. (2008). Effects of perceived job insecurity on perceived anxiety and depression in nurses. Industrial Health, 46, 613–619.CrossRef
go back to reference CEPAL, N. (2019). Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2019. The new global financial context: Effects and transmission mechanisms in the region. ECLAC. CEPAL, N. (2019). Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2019. The new global financial context: Effects and transmission mechanisms in the region. ECLAC.
go back to reference Clarke, M. (2007). Where to from here? Evaluating employability during career transition. Journal of Management and Organization, 13, 196–211.CrossRef Clarke, M. (2007). Where to from here? Evaluating employability during career transition. Journal of Management and Organization, 13, 196–211.CrossRef
go back to reference Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310.CrossRef Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310.CrossRef
go back to reference Colbert, A., Yee, N., & George, G. (2016). The digital workforce and the workplace of the future. Academy of Management Journal, 59, 731–739.CrossRef Colbert, A., Yee, N., & George, G. (2016). The digital workforce and the workplace of the future. Academy of Management Journal, 59, 731–739.CrossRef
go back to reference Corley, K. G., & Gioia, D. A. (2004). Identity ambiguity and change in the wake of a corporate spin-off. Administrative Science Quarterly, 49(2), 173–208.CrossRef Corley, K. G., & Gioia, D. A. (2004). Identity ambiguity and change in the wake of a corporate spin-off. Administrative Science Quarterly, 49(2), 173–208.CrossRef
go back to reference De Cuyper, N., Makikangas, A., Kinnunen, U., Mauna, S., & De Witte, H. (2012). Cross-lagged associations between perceived external employability, job insecurity, and exhaustion: Testing gain and loss spirals according to the conservation of resources theory. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 33, 770–788. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.1800CrossRef De Cuyper, N., Makikangas, A., Kinnunen, U., Mauna, S., & De Witte, H. (2012). Cross-lagged associations between perceived external employability, job insecurity, and exhaustion: Testing gain and loss spirals according to the conservation of resources theory. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 33, 770–788. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​job.​1800CrossRef
go back to reference De Cuyper, N., Notelaers, G., & De Witte, H. (2009). Job insecurity and employability in fixed-term contractors, agency workers, and permanent workers: Associations with job satisfaction and affective organizational commitment. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 14(2), 193.CrossRef De Cuyper, N., Notelaers, G., & De Witte, H. (2009). Job insecurity and employability in fixed-term contractors, agency workers, and permanent workers: Associations with job satisfaction and affective organizational commitment. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 14(2), 193.CrossRef
go back to reference De Vos, A., Forrier, A., Van der Heijden, B., & De Cuyper, N. (2017). Keep the expert! Occupational expertise, perceived employability and job search: A study across age groups. Career Development International, 22(3), 318–332.CrossRef De Vos, A., Forrier, A., Van der Heijden, B., & De Cuyper, N. (2017). Keep the expert! Occupational expertise, perceived employability and job search: A study across age groups. Career Development International, 22(3), 318–332.CrossRef
go back to reference De Witte, H. (1992). Langdurig werkozen: Tussen optimisten en teruggetrokkenen [The longterm unemployed: Between optimism and resignation]. Leuven: Hoger Instituut van de Arbeid De Witte, H. (1992). Langdurig werkozen: Tussen optimisten en teruggetrokkenen [The longterm unemployed: Between optimism and resignation]. Leuven: Hoger Instituut van de Arbeid
go back to reference De Witte, H. (2000). Arbeidsethos en jobonzekerheid: Meting en gevolgen voor welzijn, tevredenheid en inzet op het werk [work ethic and job insecurity: Assessment and consequences for wellbeing, satisfaction and performance at work]. In R. Bouwen, K. De Witte, H. De Witte, & T. Taillieu (Eds.), Van groep naar gemeenschap [from group to community]. Liber Amicorum Prof. Dr. Leo Lagrou (pp. 325–350). Garant. De Witte, H. (2000). Arbeidsethos en jobonzekerheid: Meting en gevolgen voor welzijn, tevredenheid en inzet op het werk [work ethic and job insecurity: Assessment and consequences for wellbeing, satisfaction and performance at work]. In R. Bouwen, K. De Witte, H. De Witte, & T. Taillieu (Eds.), Van groep naar gemeenschap [from group to community]. Liber Amicorum Prof. Dr. Leo Lagrou (pp. 325–350). Garant.
go back to reference Demerouti, E., Bakker, A. B., Nachreiner, F., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2001). The job demands-resources model of burnout. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(3), 499.CrossRef Demerouti, E., Bakker, A. B., Nachreiner, F., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2001). The job demands-resources model of burnout. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(3), 499.CrossRef
go back to reference Drange, I., Bernstrøm, V. H., & Mamelund, S. E. (2018). Are you moving up or falling short? An inquiry of skills-based variation in self-perceived employability among Norwegian employees. Work, Employment and Society, 32(2), 387–406.CrossRef Drange, I., Bernstrøm, V. H., & Mamelund, S. E. (2018). Are you moving up or falling short? An inquiry of skills-based variation in self-perceived employability among Norwegian employees. Work, Employment and Society, 32(2), 387–406.CrossRef
go back to reference Earl, C., Taylor, P., Roberts, C., Huynh, P., & Davis, S. (2017). The workforce demographic shift and the changing nature of work: Implications for policy, productivity, and participation. In Age diversity in the workplace. Emerald Publishing Limited. Earl, C., Taylor, P., Roberts, C., Huynh, P., & Davis, S. (2017). The workforce demographic shift and the changing nature of work: Implications for policy, productivity, and participation. In Age diversity in the workplace. Emerald Publishing Limited.
go back to reference Forrier, A., & Sels, L. (2003). The concept employability: A complex mosaic. International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 3, 102–124.CrossRef Forrier, A., & Sels, L. (2003). The concept employability: A complex mosaic. International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 3, 102–124.CrossRef
go back to reference Fugate, M., Kinicki, A. J., & Ashforth, B. E. (2004). Employability: A psycho-social construct, its dimensions, and applications. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65, 14–38.CrossRef Fugate, M., Kinicki, A. J., & Ashforth, B. E. (2004). Employability: A psycho-social construct, its dimensions, and applications. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65, 14–38.CrossRef
go back to reference Guilbert, L., Bernaud, J. L., Gouvernet, B., & Rossier, J. (2016). Employability: Review and research prospects. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 16(1), 69–89.CrossRef Guilbert, L., Bernaud, J. L., Gouvernet, B., & Rossier, J. (2016). Employability: Review and research prospects. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 16(1), 69–89.CrossRef
go back to reference Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.). Prentice Hall. Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.). Prentice Hall.
go back to reference Hillage, J., & Pollard, E. (1998). Employability: Developing a framework for policy analysis (report no. RR85). London, United Kingdom. Hillage, J., & Pollard, E. (1998). Employability: Developing a framework for policy analysis (report no. RR85). London, United Kingdom.
go back to reference Hu, L., & Bentler, P. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6, 1–55.CrossRef Hu, L., & Bentler, P. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6, 1–55.CrossRef
go back to reference Isacksson, K., Hellgren, J., & Pettersson, P. (1998). Structural transformation in Swedish retail trade: Follow-up of a reorganization and layoff in KF/KDAB. Reports from the Department of Psychology (97th ed.). Stockholm University. Isacksson, K., Hellgren, J., & Pettersson, P. (1998). Structural transformation in Swedish retail trade: Follow-up of a reorganization and layoff in KF/KDAB. Reports from the Department of Psychology (97th ed.). Stockholm University.
go back to reference Jandrić, M., & Ranđelović, S. (2018). Adaptability of the workforce in Europe–changing skills in the digital era. Zbornik Radova Ekonomskog Fakulteta u Rijeci: Časopis Za Ekonomsku Teoriju i Praksu, 36(2), 757–776. Jandrić, M., & Ranđelović, S. (2018). Adaptability of the workforce in Europe–changing skills in the digital era. Zbornik Radova Ekonomskog Fakulteta u Rijeci: Časopis Za Ekonomsku Teoriju i Praksu, 36(2), 757–776.
go back to reference Kagermann, H., Wahlster, W., & Helbig, J. (2013). Recommendations for implementing the strategic initiative Industrie 4.0. Industrie 4.0 Working Group of Acatech. Kagermann, H., Wahlster, W., & Helbig, J. (2013). Recommendations for implementing the strategic initiative Industrie 4.0. Industrie 4.0 Working Group of Acatech.
go back to reference Keim, A., Landis, R., Pierce, C., & Earnest, D. (2014). Why do employees worry about their jobs? A meta-analytic review of predictors of job insecurity. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 19(3), 269.CrossRef Keim, A., Landis, R., Pierce, C., & Earnest, D. (2014). Why do employees worry about their jobs? A meta-analytic review of predictors of job insecurity. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 19(3), 269.CrossRef
go back to reference Kline, R. B. (2005). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press. Kline, R. B. (2005). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
go back to reference Konovsky, M. A., Folger, R., & Cropanzano, R. (1987). Relative effects of procedural and distributive justice on employee attitudes. Representative Research in Social Psychology, 17(1), 15–24. Konovsky, M. A., Folger, R., & Cropanzano, R. (1987). Relative effects of procedural and distributive justice on employee attitudes. Representative Research in Social Psychology, 17(1), 15–24.
go back to reference Muñiz, J., Elosua, P., & Hambleton, R. (2013). Directrices para la traducción y adaptación de los tests: Segunda edición. Psicothema, 25(2), 151–157. Muñiz, J., Elosua, P., & Hambleton, R. (2013). Directrices para la traducción y adaptación de los tests: Segunda edición. Psicothema, 25(2), 151–157.
go back to reference Nam, T. (2019). Technology usage expected job sustainability, and perceived job insecurity. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 138, 155–165.CrossRef Nam, T. (2019). Technology usage expected job sustainability, and perceived job insecurity. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 138, 155–165.CrossRef
go back to reference Ng, T. W., & Feldman, D. C. (2012). Evaluating six common stereotypes about older workers with meta-analytical data. Personnel Psychology, 65, 821–858.CrossRef Ng, T. W., & Feldman, D. C. (2012). Evaluating six common stereotypes about older workers with meta-analytical data. Personnel Psychology, 65, 821–858.CrossRef
go back to reference Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2017). Enabling the next production revolution: A summary of main messages and policy lessons. Meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level. Paris, France Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2017). Enabling the next production revolution: A summary of main messages and policy lessons. Meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level. Paris, France
go back to reference Otto, K., Garrido Vásquez, P., Scholz, E., & Garrido Vásquez, M. E. (2022). Linking uncertainty against Industry 4.0 and job insecurity: Consequences for satisfaction, commitment and OCB. In Oral presentation at the 15th European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology Conference, Bordeaux, France. Otto, K., Garrido Vásquez, P., Scholz, E., & Garrido Vásquez, M. E. (2022). Linking uncertainty against Industry 4.0 and job insecurity: Consequences for satisfaction, commitment and OCB. In Oral presentation at the 15th European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology Conference, Bordeaux, France.
go back to reference Parker, S., Wall, T., & Cordery, J. (2001). Future work design research and practice: Towards an elaborated model of work design. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 74, 413–440.CrossRef Parker, S., Wall, T., & Cordery, J. (2001). Future work design research and practice: Towards an elaborated model of work design. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 74, 413–440.CrossRef
go back to reference Peters, M. (2017). Technological unemployment: Educating for the fourth industrial revolution. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 49(1), 1–6.CrossRef Peters, M. (2017). Technological unemployment: Educating for the fourth industrial revolution. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 49(1), 1–6.CrossRef
go back to reference Qenani, E., MacDougall, N., & Sexton, C. (2014). An empirical study of self-perceived employability: Improving the prospects for student employment success in an uncertain environment. Active Learning in Higher Education, 15(3), 199–213.CrossRef Qenani, E., MacDougall, N., & Sexton, C. (2014). An empirical study of self-perceived employability: Improving the prospects for student employment success in an uncertain environment. Active Learning in Higher Education, 15(3), 199–213.CrossRef
go back to reference Romme, A. G. L. (1997). Organizational learning, circularity and double-linking. Management Learning, 28(2), 149–160.CrossRef Romme, A. G. L. (1997). Organizational learning, circularity and double-linking. Management Learning, 28(2), 149–160.CrossRef
go back to reference Schaufeli, W. B. (2017). Applying the job demands-resources model. Organizational Dynamics, 2(46), 120–132.CrossRef Schaufeli, W. B. (2017). Applying the job demands-resources model. Organizational Dynamics, 2(46), 120–132.CrossRef
go back to reference Schwarzmüller, T., Brosi, P., Duman, D., & Welpe, I. M. (2018). How does the digital transformation affect organizations? Key themes of change in work design and leadership. Management Revue, 29(2), 114–138.CrossRef Schwarzmüller, T., Brosi, P., Duman, D., & Welpe, I. M. (2018). How does the digital transformation affect organizations? Key themes of change in work design and leadership. Management Revue, 29(2), 114–138.CrossRef
go back to reference Shoss, M. (2017). Job insecurity: An integrative review and agenda for future research. Journal of Management, 43(6), 1911–1939.CrossRef Shoss, M. (2017). Job insecurity: An integrative review and agenda for future research. Journal of Management, 43(6), 1911–1939.CrossRef
go back to reference Silla, I., De Cuyper, N., Gracia, F. J., Peiró, J. M., & De Witte, H. (2009). Job insecurity and well-being: Moderation by employability. Journal of Happiness Studies, 10(6), 739–751.CrossRef Silla, I., De Cuyper, N., Gracia, F. J., Peiró, J. M., & De Witte, H. (2009). Job insecurity and well-being: Moderation by employability. Journal of Happiness Studies, 10(6), 739–751.CrossRef
go back to reference Soares, M. E., & Mosquera, P. (2019). Linking development of skills and perceptions of employability: The case of Erasmus students. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 33, 2769–2786.CrossRef Soares, M. E., & Mosquera, P. (2019). Linking development of skills and perceptions of employability: The case of Erasmus students. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 33, 2769–2786.CrossRef
go back to reference Sora, B., Caballer, A., & Peiró, J. M. (2014). La inseguridad laboral y sus consecuencias en un contexto de crisis económica. Papeles Del Psicólogo, 35(1), 15–21. Sora, B., Caballer, A., & Peiró, J. M. (2014). La inseguridad laboral y sus consecuencias en un contexto de crisis económica. Papeles Del Psicólogo, 35(1), 15–21.
go back to reference Spector, P. E. (2006). Method variance in organizational research: Truth or urban legend? Organizational Research Methods, 9(2), 221–232.CrossRef Spector, P. E. (2006). Method variance in organizational research: Truth or urban legend? Organizational Research Methods, 9(2), 221–232.CrossRef
go back to reference Sverke, M., Låstad, L., Hellgren, J., Näswall, K., & Richter, A. (2018). Meta-analysis on job insecurity and its outcomes: Investigating cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. In 13th European Academy of occupational health psychology conference 2018, Lisbon, Portugal, September 5–7, 2018. Sverke, M., Låstad, L., Hellgren, J., Näswall, K., & Richter, A. (2018). Meta-analysis on job insecurity and its outcomes: Investigating cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. In 13th European Academy of occupational health psychology conference 2018, Lisbon, Portugal, September 5–7, 2018.
go back to reference Van der Heijde, C., & Van Der Heijden, B. (2006). A competence-based and multidimensional operationalization and measurement of employability. Human Resource Management, 45(3), 449–476.CrossRef Van der Heijde, C., & Van Der Heijden, B. (2006). A competence-based and multidimensional operationalization and measurement of employability. Human Resource Management, 45(3), 449–476.CrossRef
go back to reference Weiss, D., Sassenberg, K., & Freund, A. M. (2013). When feeling different pays off: How older adults can counteract negative age-related information. Psychology and Aging, 28(4), 1140.CrossRef Weiss, D., Sassenberg, K., & Freund, A. M. (2013). When feeling different pays off: How older adults can counteract negative age-related information. Psychology and Aging, 28(4), 1140.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Uncertainty against Industry 4.0 and job insecurity: the moderated role of perceived employability, age, and educational level
Authors
Rocío Montero Barra
Patricia Garrido-Vásquez
Kathleen Otto
Mauricio E. Garrido Vásquez
Publication date
02-12-2023
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance
Print ISSN: 1873-0388
Electronic ISSN: 1573-1782
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-023-09636-5

Premium Partner