A cluster analysis of the relationship between employee engagement and the cognition and motivation of workers

In this study, clusters were identified according to individual cognitive characteristics (occupational future time perspective) and motivational factors (goal orientation) for employees to accept changes and increase their adaptability. In addition, the study checked for differences in employee engagement by cluster. The study sample consisted of 514 employees working for Korean companies. The research problem was verified through cluster analysis and analysis of variance. Three groups were clustered; cluster 1 (‘cognitive lack performance type’), cluster 2 (‘time-aware learning type’), and cluster 3 (‘opportunity-aware performance type’). Employee engagement differed between the clusters, with cluster 2 showing the highest level of employee engagement, followed by cluster 3 and cluster 1. Existing studies have focused on the direct relationship between individual cognitive characteristics and motivational factors underlying employee participation. The present study adds value in that it combines two characteristics to distinguish and verify employee types.