The mediating effects of time structure on the relationships between time management behaviour, job satisfaction, and psychological well-being

Abstract

This article examined the relationship between time structure and Macan's process model of time management. This study proposed that time structure-'appraisal of effective time usage'-would be a more parsimonious mediator than perceived control over time in the relationship between time management behaviours and outcome variables, such as job satisfaction and psychological well-being. Alternative structure models were compared using a sample of 111 university students. Model 1 tested Macan's process model of time management with perceived control over time as the mediator. Model 2 replaced perceived control over time by the construct of time structure. Model 3 examined the possibility of perceived control over time and time structure as being parallel mediators of the relationships between time management and outcomes. Results of this study showed that Model 1 and Model 2 fitted the data equally well. On the other hand, the mediated effects were small and partial in both models. This pattern of results calls for reassessment of the process model. © 2011 The Australian Psychological Society.