The Influence of Attachment Styles on Employee Engagement

The Influence of Attachment Styles on Employee Engagement by Ian D. Briggs MBA, University of New England, 1997 B.Bus, Curtin University, 1987 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University November 2017 Abstract The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the influence of adult attachment styles on the engagement of employees in an attempt to address increasing losses in U.S. work productivity. Researchers have documented that organizations able to maintain better manager-employee relationships demonstrated positive employee engagement and improved productivity. However, a distinct gap in the literature remains as to how organizational leaders can stimulate healthier manager-employee relationships. Adult attachment theory was used as the foundation to explore how employees’ relationships with their immediate manager affect their work engagement. To address this question, a purposeful sample of 16 full time mid level employees who had a direct line reporting relationship to an immediate manager were selected from various industries across the United States. The Experiences of Close Relationship – Relationship Structures questionnaire was used to assess the employee’s attachment style prior to indepth interviews being performed to gather rich data on their lived experiences. Interview data was analyzed using the modified 7-step Van Kaam method of phenomenological analysis. Two themes emerged: employees have a need for purpose and value, andThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the influence of adult attachment styles on the engagement of employees in an attempt to address increasing losses in U.S. work productivity. Researchers have documented that organizations able to maintain better manager-employee relationships demonstrated positive employee engagement and improved productivity. However, a distinct gap in the literature remains as to how organizational leaders can stimulate healthier manager-employee relationships. Adult attachment theory was used as the foundation to explore how employees’ relationships with their immediate manager affect their work engagement. To address this question, a purposeful sample of 16 full time mid level employees who had a direct line reporting relationship to an immediate manager were selected from various industries across the United States. The Experiences of Close Relationship – Relationship Structures questionnaire was used to assess the employee’s attachment style prior to indepth interviews being performed to gather rich data on their lived experiences. Interview data was analyzed using the modified 7-step Van Kaam method of phenomenological analysis. Two themes emerged: employees have a need for purpose and value, and employees require varying levels of dependency. These findings indicate that managers must cater to the attachment needs of the employee to positively address productivity losses. Implications for positive social change pertain to both the financial benefits derived from an increase in industry productivity and profitability levels due to improvements in employee engagement, as well as the recovery of employees’ commitment to the workplace through the provision of a healthy work environment. The Influence of Attachment Styles on Employee Engagement by Ian D. Briggs MBA, University of New England, 1997 B.Bus, Curtin University, 1987 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University November 2017 Dedication I sincerely thank my partner Angela for her encouragement and care throughout this process, as well as the faculty, friends, and colleagues who have provided support and added to my knowledge and well-being along the way. In addition, this study is dedicated to those people who strive to better themselves and have a passion for the support and betterment of others. Acknowledgments I acknowledge my committee: Dr. Steven Tippins (chair); Dr. David Banner (second committee member), and Dr. Haussmann (university research reviewer) for their care and diligence in helping me successfully complete this highest level of academic achievement.