Exploring Work Engagement and Cynicism in Industry: A Preliminary Investigation in a Central Italian Engineering Company

Luca Di Giampaolo, Teresa Galanti (), Michela Cortini, Simone De Sio, Claudia Giurgola, Federica Marino, Piergiorgio Astolfi, Rossella Martelli, Daria Ziccardi, Paola Borrelli, Laura Forcella, Maria Elisa Maiolo and Luca Coppeta
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Luca Di Giampaolo: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry (DTIMO), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Teresa Galanti: Department of Psychology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Michela Cortini: Department of Psychology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Simone De Sio: Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Science, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Claudia Giurgola: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry (DTIMO), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Federica Marino: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry (DTIMO), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Piergiorgio Astolfi: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry (DTIMO), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Rossella Martelli: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry (DTIMO), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Daria Ziccardi: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry (DTIMO), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Paola Borrelli: Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Laura Forcella: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry (DTIMO), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Maria Elisa Maiolo: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry (DTIMO), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Luca Coppeta: Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy

Administrative Sciences, 2025, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-11

Abstract: Background: Work engagement is defined as a positive and fulfilling work-related state of mind, characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. High levels of engagement are associated with improved organizational functioning and a stronger sense of belonging among employees. Objective: This study, conducted in collaboration with a large metalworking company in central Italy, aimed to explore the relationship between work engagement and organizational cynicism among Maintenance Team Leaders. Specifically, the goals were to assess the levels of engagement and emotional involvement and to examine how these dimensions vary according to socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, educational background, and seniority. The ultimate aim was to support occupational physicians and workplace safety officers in identifying the best practices for preventing psychosocial risks, work-related stress, and burnout. Methods: A total of 99 Maintenance Leaders participated in the study. The Italian version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) was used to assess the three core dimensions of engagement: vigor, dedication, and absorption. Additionally, the Cynicism scale development by Naus, Van Iterson, and Roe was administered. Results: While the sample size limits generalizability, the findings offer preliminary insight into engagement levels within this population. The results emphasize the need to expand the sample and to conduct comparative analyses across different teams within the company better understand engagement patterns and inform targeted interventions. Conclusions: Although work engagement has been extensively studied in the healthcare sector, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, limited research has addressed its role in the industrial context, and even less within the metalworking sector. This study contributes to filling that gap by providing an initial profile of engagement among maintenance leaders and by highlighting the interplay between engagement, cynicism, and individual characteristics in a high-demand industrial environment.

Keywords: work engagement; organizational cynicism; psychosocial risk; work-related stress; occupational health; industrial sector (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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