A longitudinal, mixed method evaluation of self-awareness training in the workplace. Issue 7 (3rd August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sutton, Anna; Williams, Helen M; Allinson, Christopher W
• Is Part Of: European journal of training and development. Volume 39:Issue 7(2015)
• Page Start: 610
• Page End: 627
• Publication Date: 2015-08-03
• Subjects: Employees -- Training of -- Europe -- Periodicals; Employees -- Training of -- Periodicals; Manpower planning -- Europe -- Periodicals; Manpower planning -- Periodicals; Career development -- Periodicals; 331.259205
• DOI: 10.1108/EJTD-04-2015-0031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-9012

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this study is to investigate whether self-awareness, which is associated with general well-being and positive life outcomes, is also of specific benefit in the workplace. The authors tested the relationship between self-awareness and job-related well-being, and evaluated two different interventions designed to improve dispositional self-awareness at work. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – Full-time employees took part in these training interventions and completed questionnaires using a switching-replications design. Questionnaires measured dispositional self-attentiveness (reflection and rumination) and job well-being (satisfaction, enthusiasm and contentment) at three time points over a period of six weeks. Statistical analyses were complemented with qualitative analysis of reported impacts. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – Self-awareness was positively associated with job-related well-being and was improved by training. Employees reported gaining a greater appreciation of diversity, improved communication with colleagues and increased confidence. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Research limitations/implications</title> <p> – Sample size limited the extent to which the relatively weak relationships between the concepts could be identified. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – Self-awareness is demonstrated to be of value at work, associated with higher well-being and improvements in several positive occupational outcomes. The self-awareness training is more likely to result in active work-based improvements than in reflective changes. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – Dispositional self-awareness is shown to be subject to change through training. The study demonstrates the value of self-awareness at work and identifies a range of related work outcomes.</p> </sec> </abstract>