Does Passion for Physical Activity Spillover into Performance at Work? Examining the Direct and Indirect Effects of Passion and Life Satisfaction on Organizational Performance and Innovativeness

Many individuals are passionate for physical activity such as cycling, running, and soccer. Drawing from the dualistic model of passion, the purpose of the present study was to examine the direct and indirect relationships between passion (harmonious and obsessive) for physical activity, life satisfaction, performance, and innovativeness in organizational settings. Survey data were gathered from 272 cyclists who also occupied employment roles beyond their cycling pursuits. Data were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Results indicated a direct positive relationship between harmonious passion and both performance and innovativeness at work. Moreover, results indicated that perceived life satisfaction indirectly influenced the relationships between harmonious passion and both performance and innovativeness at work. No significant relationships were found between obsessive passion for cycling and either organizational performance outcome. In sum, these findings suggest that passion for physical activity directly and indirectly (through life satisfaction) enhance organizational performance outcomes, but only for harmonious passion.