Navigating the Dark Side of Projectification: Strategies and Resources Shaping the Overall Well-being of Project Workers

Abstract

This dissertation comprises three interconnected studies that delve into the intricate dynamics of project work and their potential detrimental implications for individual project workers. Study 1 systematically reviews the literature to identify macro-, meso-, and micro-level determinants of negative aspects of project work and their consequences for overall well-being. It highlights prevalent theories and offers future research directions. Building upon Study 1’s findings, Study 2 investigates the roles of psychological capital (PsyCap) and social support in mitigating the adverse effects of project work. On the basis of a cross-sectional online survey of 304 project workers, the study reveals that workplace and family support and PsyCap play crucial roles in preventing adverse outcomes. The study underscores the resource-gain mechanism between support and PsyCap, contributing novel insights to project management research. Study 3 explores coping strategies through semi-structured interviews with 37 project workers. The findings indicate that senior and future-oriented project workers employ adaptive strategies, such as job crafting and proactive vitality management. By contrast, early-career project workers and those who strive for perfection often resort to maladaptive coping methods. The study calls for further exploration of the environmental and individual factors that affect coping mechanisms. A cohesive theme across the studies is the pivotal role of social and psychological resources in confronting the challenges of project work. The systematic literature review establishes associations between project-related stressors and poor wellbeing. The subsequent studies reveal the importance of support and PsyCap in preventing detrimental consequences and fostering proactive coping strategies. By emphasizing the tandem significance of environmental and psychological resources, this dissertation enhances our understanding of project work and offers directions for future research.