Playful work design: Conceptualization, measurement, and validity

In three different studies, we challenge the traditional view that work and play are mutually exclusive phenomena. We introduce concept of playful design – proactive cognitive-behavioral orientation employees engage in to incorporate into their activities promote fun challenge. Study 1, utilized expert-ratings iterative exploratory factor analyses develop an instrument measures (1) designing (2) competition. Additionally, 1 evidences divergent convergent validity subscales as well distinctiveness. Specifically, was indicative proactivity play, especially correlated with ludic traits (i.e. focused on deriving fun; e.g. humor), whereas competition particularly agonistic challenge; competitiveness). 2 cross-validated two-factor structure, further investigated nomological net design, revealed is distinct from job crafting. Finally, 3 examined predictive incremental self- colleague-ratings two weeks apart. Taken together, results suggest may advance our understanding initiated by during work.