Unlocking the effects of joyous exploration and deprivation sensitivity on employees’ job crafting behavior: a moderating and mediating mechanism

Purpose This research study examine the effects of workplace curiosity’s major dimensions (joyous exploration and deprivation sensitivity) on job crafting under the application of self-determination theory. The proposed relationship is further analyzed through the mediating role of flow at work and emotional demand as a moderator in a unique context. Design/methodology/approach In total, 443 nurses serving in public sector hospitals across major cities of Pakistan were targeted to participate in the study, conducted over three time lags through questionnaires. The responses were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique in SMART-PLS 4.0. Findings The results indicated that both dimensions of workplace curiosity affect job crafting through the mediating role of flow at work. Furthermore, emotional demand moderated the relationship between joyous exploration and flow at work. Originality/value Using the lens of self-determination theory, this study provides empirical evidence of the relationship between workplace curiosity dimensions and job-crafting behavior, as per context. The study establishes the unique mediating role of flow at work between the said relationship. Finally, the study provides exceptional evidence for the role of emotional demand as an important boundary condition for the effects of joyous exploration and flow at work to augment nurses' performance in the workplace.