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Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1027/1866-5888/a000004

The aim of the study was to investigate contract type (temporary vs. permanent employment) as a possible moderator in the relationship between autonomy and workload on the one hand, and job involvement on the other hand in samples from two countries: Belgium and Finland. The results on possible interactions were similar in the two countries. Contract type moderated the relationship between autonomy and job involvement: The relationship was stronger in permanent than in temporary workers. No moderation was found for workload. Instead, workload associated positively with job involvement in both temporary and permanent workers. These findings are discussed with reference to the activation hypothesis as implied in the Job Demand-Control Model and earlier insights from psychological contract theory and research.

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