Using necessary condition analysis in managerial psychology research: introduction, empirical demonstration and methodological discussion

Abstract

Purpose: In this paper, the authors aim to present a novel methodological tool – necessary condition analysis (NCA) to aid managerial psychology researchers in properly testing necessity statements. Design/methodology/approach: The authors employ NCA to analyze whether three basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are necessary for work engagement. Findings: The authors illustrate the value and application of NCA by revealing that basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are necessary for work engagement, as proposed by self-determination theory (SDT). Originality/value: The authors illustrate the importance of the sufficiency-necessity distinction and the relevance of a necessity logic in managerial psychology. They also discuss NCA's methodological implications for managerial psychology research, theory and practice.