Is job a viable unit of analysis? A multilevel analysis of demand-control-support models.

Using multilevel modeling, the authors report results of individual- and job-level analyses from a study of over 6,700 people in 81 different jobs, finding that role set may be a better unit of analysis.

Abstract

The literature has ignored the fact that the demand-control (DC) and demand-control-support (DCS) models of stress are about jobs and not individuals' perceptions of their jobs. Using multilevel modeling, the authors report results of individual- and job-level analyses from a study of over 6,700 people in 81 different jobs. Support for additive versions of the models came when individuals were the unit of analysis. DC and DCS models are only helpful for understanding the effects of individual perceptions of jobs and their relationship to psychological states. When job perceptions are aggregated and their relationship to the collective experience of jobholders is assessed, the models prove of little value. Role set may be a better unit of analysis.