Critical Review - Research Paper Example

The major objective of the research was to analyze the moderating role of professional self efficacy in coping behaviour while meeting the demands of the job. The paper would critically review the study on the wider context of the research methodology adopted to demonstrate the effectiveness of hypotheses used. Critique The scholars have used quantitative research methodology for validating social cognitive theory of self efficacy. The methodology chiefly relies on the fact that the data sought can be quantified and thus can be applied on large number of people.

The generalization of a theory therefore, becomes the most significant aspect of the current research. Heterogeneous sample, comprising of 625 employees from different companies cutting across wide range of socio-economic demography and occupation was used. 51% male and 49% female representation in the sample helped reduce gender biases. The broad spectrum of demographic representation greatly facilitated the validity of the study. The measurement technique adopted was in the form of self report questionnaire that was distributed to the employees and collected after completion by a member of the research team.

The study was conducted under the pre-defined hypotheses that primarily focused on the fact that self efficacy is directly related to the coping strategies. It was also assumed that it acts as a moderating element between the demands of the job and coping strategies that are used under defined situations. The variables used were the imperatives of job demands that included work overload and role conflict, professional self efficacy and two types of coping behaviour; active and passive. The coping behaviour was dependent variable that was evaluated against the independent variables like professional self efficacy, gender, age, quantitative work overload and role conflict.

Work overload and role conflict were important stressors that significantly helped to analyze the moderating role of professional self efficacy. Hierarchal multiple regression analysis is very useful in measuring interaction effect (Cohen and Cohen, 1983). Thus, it was used separately with two dependent variables and hypotheses were successfully tested when independent variables were introduced within the statistical analysis. Large sample size across wide demographic segment has helped to provide important evidence that professional self efficacy is indeed vital ingredient of positive coping behaviour.

The cognitive social theory of professional self efficacy was critical element of research hypotheses that significantly helped to identify the extent of its impact on the coping behaviour of the participants. The study has greatly facilitated in addressing the challenges of the time. The various elements that adversely impact the work performance of the employees are important issues within the wide ranging paradigms of human resource management. The study has found strong linkages that can considerably influence the performance of the workforce.

The professional self efficacy is broadly described as the professional skills and capabilities of the workers that encourage them to take on the challenges of the job with more confidence. Hence, if the employee is professionally better equipped than his counterpart, he would be better able to manage the demands of the job. Higher level of job proficiency promotes proactive behaviour that thrives on solving the