Fear fuels workplace motivation: Exploring workplace fear of missing out and masculinity contest culture in India

Abstract: The concept of Workplace FoMO is relatively new in the domain of psychological research. Defined and investigated in the western context for the first time in 2019, there is no existing literature on the construct in the Indian context, a country with one of the largest demographic dividends. The present study aimed to explore workplace FoMO and its relationship to workplace motivation as mediated by the masculinity contest culture, and further investigated gender-related differences that lie therein. Data was collected from 98 working employees (64 males, 34 females) on the three variables through the Workplace FoMO scale, Multidimensional work motivation scale and masculinity contest culture scale. The data was analysed using correlation, independent sample t-tests, regression and mediation analysis. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between workplace FoMO and workplace motivation. Furthermore, workplace motivation was predicted by workplace FoMO and Masculinity Contest Culture and a partial mediation was found. However, no gender differences were reported in the experience of Workplace FoMO and Workplace motivation. The results of the present study, being the first of its kind in the Indian context, can be leveraged to enhance employee motivation and alter management practices to utilise FoMO as a constructive solution rather than an abrasive element within an organisation