The impact of professional isolation on emotional exhaustion with psychological capital as the moderator among Finnish knowledge workers

Abstract

This research focused on the psychological concept of professional isolation, analysing its connection with psychological capital (PsyCap). The moderating role of PsyCap between professional isolation and emotional exhaustion has been less studied. The research questions were: 1) does professional isolation always lead to emotional exhaustion, and if not, what are the conditions that constrain or enhance the effects of professional isolation?; 2) how does PsyCap moderate the relationship between professional isolation and emotional exhaustion? Knowledge workers (N = 210) in Finland were asked to participate in a survey measuring their experiences of professional isolation and emotional exhaustion. Correlations and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted. It was found that the relationship between professional isolation and emotional exhaustion was weaker when PsyCap was high compared with the situation when PsyCap was low. The connection with professional isolation appeared complex. The findings encourage investing in further examination of the concept and the PsyCap interventions.