Work centrality and work alienation: distinct aspects of a general commitment to work

The authors tested the proposition that identification with the work role a nd engagement in the work role constitute different aspects of a general co mmitment to work. Whereas work centrality (a strictly normative attitude) r epresents the extent to which a person identifies with the work role, work alienation tan affect-inclusive attitude) represents the extent to which a person is engaged in the work role. Predicated on these conceptual distinct ions, the authors tested whether work centrality and work alienation exhibi ted theoretically-meaningful, differential correlations with six variables reflecting various work-related commitments. Using data from 349 employed i ndividuals, the results of Hotelling-Williams t tests revealed that, compar ed to work alienation, work centrality had stronger correlations with Prote stant work ethic and leisure ethic. In contrast, compared to work centralit y, work alienation was more strongly correlated with work locus of control, work self-discipline, and affective organizational commitment. Work centra lity and work alienation did not differ in their correlations with job invo lvement-role. Taken together, the results suggest that people who are highl y committed to work not only identify with the work role, they are also eng aged in the work role. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.