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When is fun "fun"? An examination of the effects of contextual factors on appraisals of fun in the workplace

Freier, Lindsey Marie

Abstract Details

2023, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Psychology/Industrial-Organizational.
Increasing fun in the workplace is a widely touted, but little-studied, organizational intervention purported to improve a variety of employee outcomes, such as satisfaction, engagement, performance, and turnover. Some researchers have rightly noted, however, that “fun” activities introduced by organizations may not always be fun for employees or lead to the anticipated positive outcomes. The limited qualitative and conceptual work has identified several contextual variables surrounding fun activities that are likely to impact how these activities are appraised and experienced, and thus, whether they are associated with positive outcomes. This study utilized an experimental vignette design to investigate the effects of three such contextual variables on anticipatory appraisals of fun activities: voluntariness (i.e., whether participation is optional or required), those involved (i.e., whether other colleagues in attendance will be friends or acquaintances), and purpose of the activity (i.e., whether the activity is to benefit employees or the organization). Results from 403 participants suggest that both voluntariness and those involved have a significant impact on appraisals of events, as does participant extraversion and attitudes toward fun in the workplace. Despite limitations of vignette studies such as the potential for demand effects and lack of necessary context, the study contributes to our theoretical understanding of when fun is fun and provides clear guidance to organizations that fun is most likely to be appraised positively when events are voluntary and friends are involved, and by employees who are extraverted and believe fun in the workplace is appropriate. Future research should investigate other factors affecting appraisals and experiences of fun in the workplace and further explore the mechanisms of fun.
Melissa Keith, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Mary-Jon Ludy, Ph.D. (Other)
Howard Cromwell, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Scott Highhouse, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
101 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Freier, L. M. (2023). When is fun "fun"? An examination of the effects of contextual factors on appraisals of fun in the workplace [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1687197400623388

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Freier, Lindsey. When is fun "fun"? An examination of the effects of contextual factors on appraisals of fun in the workplace. 2023. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1687197400623388.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Freier, Lindsey. "When is fun "fun"? An examination of the effects of contextual factors on appraisals of fun in the workplace." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1687197400623388

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)