How i-deals shape attendance behavior: a conservation of resources perspective

Abstract

Purpose While the attendance behavior literature recognizes the fact that attendance decision constitutes an evaluative process through which individuals assess their available options, nevertheless, the inherent tension between health and performance that underlies such decision has yet to be fully examined. This conceptual paper aims to investigate how developmental idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) and flexibility i-deals shape employees' resource prioritization on health and performance, which subsequently guides employees' attendance decisions in terms of presenteeism and absenteeism. Design/methodology/approach We develop an integrated conceptual model that positions sickness presenteeism and absenteeism as employee strategies for protecting valued resources. Within this framework, we argue that individualized HR practices, particularly developmental and flexibility i-deals, influence how employees conserve performance and health-related resources, which in turn shapes their attendance-related behaviors. Findings Based on the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, we propose career aspiration and psychological job control as the mechanisms underlying i-deals and employees' choice between preserving performance resource and health resource. Furthermore, we propose organizations' competitive climate and employees' time orientation act as moderators of these relationships. Originality/value The present study is the first to explore the impacts of i-deals on employees' attendance behaviors. It enhances our understanding of the different types of i-deals and provides practical insights for organizations to strategically utilize these arrangements to manage attendance and build a healthy work environment.