Core Self-Evaluations in Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance

Core self-evaluations (CSE) represent a higher-order personality construct encompassing self-esteem, self-efficacy, locus of control and emotional stability. Individuals with high CSE possess a fundamental belief in their own competence and worth, which promotes positive perceptions of job roles and resilience in the face of work demands. Through the lens of conservation of resources and Job Demands–Resources theory, CSE is understood both as an internal resource and as a filter for interpreting external demands. Empirical evidence links elevated CSE to greater job satisfaction, enhanced task performance, reduced turnover intentions and lower burnout levels. CSE also shapes how employees engage in proactive behaviours, craft their tasks and pursue career development, often interacting with situational factors such as leadership style, empowerment initiatives and organisational commitment. Global studies across sectors—from healthcare to higher education—highlight practical applications of CSE enhancement programmes aimed at boosting well-being and productivity.

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Core Self-Evaluations in Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance publication trend

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Technical terms

Core self-evaluation: A higher-order trait comprising self-esteem, self-efficacy, locus of control and emotional stability that reflects an individual’s appraisal of personal worth and capability.

Job satisfaction: The degree to which employees feel content, valued and fulfilled by their work roles and environment.

Employee performance: The effectiveness and efficiency with which an individual meets organisational objectives and task requirements.

Psychological empowerment: A state in which employees perceive their work as meaningful, feel competent, experience self-determination and believe they can influence outcomes.

Proactive work behaviour: Volitional actions taken by employees to anticipate, initiate and implement changes that benefit the organisation or work processes.

References

1. Emotional labor and burnout among nurses in Iran: core self-evaluations as mediator and moderator. Human Resources for Health (2024).
2. Psychological empowerment as moderator of the relationship between core self-evaluation and proactive work behaviour. Cogent Business & Management (2024).
3. The Impact of Core Self-Evaluations on Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention among Higher Education Academic Staff: Mediating Roles of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation. Behavioral Sciences (2022).