The Interplay of Meaningful Work, Job Crafting, and Proactive Motivation: Moderating Roles of Age, Rank, and Tenure Among Iranian EFL Faculty

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Payam Noor University

2 Arak University

10.22034/jsllt.2026.24476.1126

Abstract

Despite the recognized importance of meaningful work as a key human resource factor for enhancing employee motivation and organizational quality, empirical research examining its role among university faculty in the Iranian higher education context remains scarce. This study investigates the relationships between meaningful work, job crafting, and proactive motivation among Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) faculty members, while examining the moderating influences of age, academic rank, and tenure. A purposive sample of 150 faculty members from public universities in Iran participated. Data were collected via online surveys using three validated measures: the Work and Meaning Inventory (WAMI), the Job Crafting Scale (JCS), and the Proactive Motivation Scale (PMS). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that meaningful work significantly predicts both job crafting (β = 0.262, p = .001) and proactive motivation (β = 0.282, p < .001). Job crafting strongly predicts proactive motivation (β = 0.590, p < .001) and partially mediates the relationship (indirect effect β = 0.154, 95% CI [0.052, 0.268], Variance Accounted For = 35.4%). The model explained 7.9% of the variance in job crafting and 78.9% of the variance in proactive motivation. Age, academic rank, and tenure did not significantly moderate the relationships. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating meaningful work environments and encouraging job-crafting strategies to enhance faculty motivation and organizational effectiveness in higher education.

Keywords

Journal of Studies in Language Learning and Teaching

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 November 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 April 2026
  • Revise Date: 22 October 2026
  • Accept Date: 31 October 2026

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