Research project Cognitive ability and demands and resources at work
The overall aim of the research project is to study the importance of personal resources (e.g. cognitive ability) and different demands and resources at work in relation to work- and health-related outcomes in a military context.
The Swedish Armed Forces is undergoing major changes, and the organization is to grow with more employees. The new strategic direction, with increased focus on national and collective defense, means that more people need to be trained and employed, which will require increased flexibility and adaptability among the employees.
The current situation in the world and the ongoing organizational growth can lead to new conditions regarding work demands, such as increased workload and stress. A central issue for the Swedish Armed Forces is to recruit qualified personnel, but it is equally important to promote a healthy work environment where individuals thrive, develop and want to continue working.
Project description
The full title of the project is Cognitive ability and demands and resources at work in relation to work- and health-related outcomes in a military context. In the project, officers' and specialist officers' results in the selection process for military training will be related to how they experience their psychosocial work environment and work- and health-related outcomes.
A self-constructed survey and register data from the Swedish Conscription Agency will be used. The project also includes an interview study that aims to investigate how the officers and specialist officers practically use cognitive ability at work, and how they reason when they solve complex tasks of relevance for the profession. Furthermore, different combinations of personal resources and psychosocial work environmental factors will be related to work-related attitudes and behaviors and different aspects of health and well-being.
The research project will contribute to a better understanding of what creates healthy and unhealthy working conditions, as well as possible consequences for employees. This knowledge can be used to improve the well-being and health of employees and to develop the defense sector as an attractive and sustainable workplace.
Project members
Project managers
Magnus Sverke
Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology
Emma Oskarsson
PhD Student
Members
Daniel Bergh
Senior Lecturer
Jennifer Hobbins
Associate Professor
Petra Lindfors
Professor
