The Effect of Hidden Fear of Failure on Organizational Commitment: A Research in the Service Industry

Abstract

Purpose- The aim of the research is to investigate the effect of service sector employees having on affective commitment, continuation commitment and normative commitment, which are sub-dimensions of organizational commitment. Design/methodology/approach- In the research, data were collected by survey method from 392 people who served in different positions and duties in Ankara using the convenience sampling method. The research was designed based on the causal relationship design method, one of the quantitative research methods. SPSS statistical analysis program was used for demographic findings in the research. The AMOS program was used for confirmatory factor analysis for the validity of the scales and hypothesis testing. Findings- According to the results, the hidden fear of failure does not have a significant effect on affective commitment. However, hidden fear of failure has a significant effect on continuance commitment and normative commitment. Discussion- According to the research results, the effect of hidden fear of failure on continuance commitment can be explained by the fact that those who have this fear avoid entering situations where they can be successful because they are trying to avoid the consequences or experiences of failure. Employees' fear that their failures will be revealed in one way or another and that they will not be able to find a job elsewhere may be the reason for their desire to continue their current jobs. The effect of hidden fear of failure on normative commitment can be explained as the fact that these employees are committed to perfectionist and ethical values increases their normative commitment to the organization. It can be said that the study results help to understand the effect of hidden fear of failure on organizational commitment dimensions. Since the hidden fear of failure appears as an obstacle to performance and innovative behaviors, which are the priorities of enterprises, it is important for organizations to support their employees in this regard and take various measures. First of all, it is important for people who experience this fear to redefine failure for themselves and acquire the ability to think positively.