The antecedents of Job Insecurity: a theoretical model and a cross-cultural comparison

This chapter has shown the first step of the research in all its parts: it is a qualitative research project that follows the approach of Grounded Theory, which led to the creation of a model of the phenomenon of job insecurity, focusing in particular on its antecedents. In order to get those results, we have conducted 15 semi-structured interviews, which have investigated different areas.
The model is a process and describes the development of the perception of insecurity for workers.
Our model can be briefly described as follows: the present situation of the worker (which includes his/her work, personality traits, network, age, stage of working life cycle and level of employability) affects how the individual looks to the future, from a professional point of view. This look is influenced as well, by three "moderators": the previous work experience (My working history), the ideal career (The Career I would like to have) and the degree of controll the worker needs to esercitate on his/her life (My need of control).

The awareness of not knowing what will happen next (Discomfort of not Knowing), together with a possible turning point in life (A critical moment), lead the individual to experience job insecurity about the future, which is perceived as unpredictable.
At this point, the social comparison with others can make the situation worse, since talking and sharing experiences can, on the one hand, help to confide with others, but on the other hand it gives a greater importance to the phenomenon of job insecurity ("sounding board" effects) .
While facing the impossibility of predicting the future (and the anxiety the situation entails) the person puts in place some coping strategies (Positive approach; Do not give up, Focus on the Positive Aspects, maintain high Expectations; Adaptivity; Be indispensable; Cooperation, Openness), also in order to better manage the consequences of job insecurity (Which are divided into three macro areas: Reduction of the willingness to make plans; Psychological Consequences; Reduction on Consumption). The whole process takes place within a socio-economic-cultural context which influences every aspect.