Job satisfaction in Eswatini’s energy sector: The sequential mediation of job crafting through engagement and commitment

Hloniphile Rachel Nhleko, Melissa du Plessis^*
Department of Human Resource Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
* Corresponding Author: Melissa du Plessis. Email: email

Journal of Psychology in Africa https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2026.072413

Received 26 August 2025; Accepted 21 April 2026; Published online 27 July 2026

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Abstract

Background: This study examined the relationship between job crafting and job satisfaction among employees in Eswatini’s energy sector, with work engagement and organisational commitment as sequential mediators. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 235 blue- and white-collar employees. Data were analysed using PROCESS macro Model 6 to test sequential mediation, and independent-samples t-tests were used to assess group differences. Results: No direct relationship was found between job crafting and job satisfaction. However, a significant indirect effect emerged: job crafting increased work engagement, which enhanced organisational commitment and, in turn, job satisfaction (β = 0.211, 95% CI 0.117, 0.319). White-collar employees reported significantly higher job satisfaction than blue-collar employees (M = 5.04 vs. 4.39, p < 0.001, η² = 0.14). Conclusion: Job crafting appears to influence job satisfaction indirectly through engagement and commitment pathways. The findings contribute to sub-Saharan African research and suggest the value of interventions that strengthen employee engagement and organisational commitment in energy sector contexts.

Keywords

Blue- and white-collar workers; Eswatini energy sector; job crafting; job satisfaction; organisational commitment; sequential mediation; work engagement