‘Same, but different’: A mixed-methods realist evaluation of a cluster-randomized controlled participatory organizational intervention

TY - JOUR

T1 - ‘Same, but different’

T2 - A mixed-methods realist evaluation of a cluster-randomized controlled participatory organizational intervention

AU - Abildgaard, Johan Simonsen

AU - Nielsen, Karina

AU - Wåhlin-Jacobsen, Christian Dyrlund

AU - Maltesen, Thomas

AU - Christensen, Karl Bang

AU - Holtermann, Andreas

PY - 2020/10/1

Y1 - 2020/10/1

N2 - Participatory organizational interventions are a recommended approach to improve the psychosocial work environment. As interventions of this type are shaped by employees and managers, their implementation can vary considerably, making evaluation challenging. This study contributes to our understanding of interventions by focusing on how the intervention mechanisms and the organizational context interact. In a mixed-methods design, we use multi-group structural equation modelling of pre-and post-intervention survey data (N = 204) to test multiple mediational mechanisms in three different contexts. We then analyse interviews (N = 67) and field observations of workshops to identify the role of contextual factors. The findings suggest that participatory organizational interventions do not produce one-size-fits-all results; on the contrary, intervention results are better understood as products of multiple intervention mechanisms interacting with the specific organizational contexts.

AB - Participatory organizational interventions are a recommended approach to improve the psychosocial work environment. As interventions of this type are shaped by employees and managers, their implementation can vary considerably, making evaluation challenging. This study contributes to our understanding of interventions by focusing on how the intervention mechanisms and the organizational context interact. In a mixed-methods design, we use multi-group structural equation modelling of pre-and post-intervention survey data (N = 204) to test multiple mediational mechanisms in three different contexts. We then analyse interviews (N = 67) and field observations of workshops to identify the role of contextual factors. The findings suggest that participatory organizational interventions do not produce one-size-fits-all results; on the contrary, intervention results are better understood as products of multiple intervention mechanisms interacting with the specific organizational contexts.

KW - collective efficacy

KW - context

KW - structural equation modelling

KW - transformational leadership

KW - work environment

U2 - 10.1177/0018726719866896

DO - 10.1177/0018726719866896

M3 - Journal article

AN - SCOPUS:85074434305

SN - 0018-7267

JO - Human Relations

JF - Human Relations

ER -