Work engagement among different types of solo self-employed: the mediating role of intrinsic job resources

Purpose The ideal-typical entrepreneur presents him/herself in the neoliberal iconography as an autonomous and pro-active individual who is highly engaged with his/her vocation. Nevertheless, empirical research on actual work engagement of self-employed scarce. In addition, phenomena like “necessity self-employment” “economically dependent raise concerns about potential eudaimonic well-being outcomes these self-employed. this study, it was therefore investigated to what extent necessity self-employment economically are associated whether relation mediated by intrinsic job resources. Design/methodology/approach authors used data from 2015 European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) involving 5,463 solo participants. For analyzing data, structural equation modeling (SEM) Lavaan package used. Findings Both were linked poor engagement, however, resources both effects. Originality/value While previous studies have shown differences hedonic between opportunity/necessity entrepreneurs, (in)dependent study considers their distinct profiles regarding well-being. Eudaimonic deemed particularly relevant because its implications for other such life satisfaction, psychological well-being, ill-health, business performance persistence self-employment.