Skill variety, agentic work behaviors and thriving at work: a longitudinal investigation
基于三波纵向数据，研究了技能多样性如何通过能动工作行为促进工作繁荣，以及工作繁荣如何反过来提升技能多样性感知，对组织设计岗位和激发员工主动性有参考价值。
Purpose Based on conservation of resources theory and the socially embedded model of thriving, this study examines how skill variety and thriving at work form a dynamic reciprocal process over time by investigating the longitudinal mediating role of agentic work behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Using three-wave survey data from employees in the baking industry, this study tests a longitudinal mediation model through cross-lagged panel analyses, examining how skill variety is linked to thriving at work via agentic work behaviors. Findings Results show that skill variety positively predicts subsequent agentic work behaviors, which in turn foster thriving at work. Conversely, thriving at work predicts later individuals’ perceptions of skill variety. Research limitations/implications While the longitudinal design strengthens temporal inference, causal conclusions remain limited. Future research could use experimental or alternative longitudinal models to further clarify within-person dynamics and resource gain spirals. Practical implications The findings suggest that organizations can foster thriving by designing jobs with greater skill variety and by creating conditions that support employees’ proactive engagement with their work. Originality/value By integrating work design, agentic behavior and thriving from a dynamic perspective, this study advances understanding of how and when work design resources are translated into sustained vitality and learning over time.