Dirty work and well-being

Three studies are conducted to investigate the concept of dirty work, and to develop and test a model of the effects of transformational leadership and occupational climate on the meaning that individuals involved in dirty work ascribe to their work, the occupational identification they experience, and the relation of these to their general psychological well-being. A review of the dirty work literature shows that most studies have been ethnographic in nature, and investigate dirty work from the perspective of the persons' doing the work. My first study seeks to validate the dimensions of dirty work proposed by Ashforth and Kremer (1999) from the perspective of those outside of the work role. In my second study potential predictors of well-being in a morally tainted work role (sex workers) are investigated. Preliminary evidence of the importance of positive occupational identification is provided. My final study investigates the effect of transformational leadership and perceived occupational climate on the meaning that individuals ascribe to their work, and on their occupational identification, in the context of a dirty job or occupation. A focus of the sociology literature (where the majority of the dirty work studies reside) has been on the role of the work group and strong culture in transforming meaning and enhancing identity. There has been a lack of research on leaders and supervisors potential impact on this transformation and enhancement. This final study provides evidence of the positive effects of both transformational leadership and perceived occupational climate on psychological well-being through their effects of intrinsic motivation and occupational identification. Overall these three studies contribute to our knowledge of the construct of dirty work, as well as the antecedents of psychological well-being for individuals working in these roles.