Longitudinal patterns of quantitative and qualitative job insecurity and their associations with work-related learning outcomes

Purpose. Previous research has demonstrated that long-term patterns of job insecurity (JI) may differently relate to outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify patterns of JI, taking into account quantitative as well as qualitative JI, and to examine how these relate to work-related learning (WRL). Method. We conducted latent class growth analysis using three-wave data of 1013 Dutch employees. ANCOVAs for repeated measures were used to associate the trajectories to the outcomes. Results. Five patterns of quantitative and qualitative JI were identified: (1) high stable (n = 102), (2) low stable (n = 436), (3) very low stable (n = 148), (4) decreasing (n = 258) and (5) increasing (n = 69). In every class, the change pattern was similar for quantitative and qualitative JI. The trajectories differed in the WRL outcomes that were examined. Those in the high stable JI had lower stable levels of occupational self-efficacy, acquired knowledge and skills, and learning from supervisor and colleagues than those with low stable levels of JI. Additionally, an increase in JI was associated with a decrease in learning from supervisor and colleagues and vice versa. Limitations. Additional measurement points would have allowed for a more refined analysis of JI trajectories. Implications. The findings indicate that there are distinct trajectories of quantitative and qualitative JI, and that these display a substantial amount of heterogeneity in terms of WRL. Originality. This study was the first to combine quantitative and