Job satisfaction in Eswatini’s energy sector: The sequential mediation of job crafting through engagement and commitment

Abstract

: Background: This study examined the relationship between job crafting and job satisfaction among employees in Eswatini’s energy sector, with work engagement and organisational commitment as sequential mediators. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 235 blue-and white-collar employees. Data were analysed using PROCESS macro Model 6 to test sequential mediation, and independent-samples t -tests were used to assess group differences. Results: No direct relationship was found between job crafting and job satisfaction. However, a significant indirect effect emerged: job crafting increased work engagement, which enhanced organisational commitment and, in turn, job satisfaction ( β = 0.211, 95% CI [0.117, 0.319]). White-collar employees reported significantly higher job satisfaction than blue-collar employees (M = 5.04 vs. 4.39, p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.14). Conclusion: Job crafting appears to influence job satisfaction indirectly through engagement and commitment pathways. The findings contribute to sub-Saharan African research and suggest the value of interventions that strengthen employee engagement and organisational commitment in energy sector contexts.