EFFECTS OF MOONLIGHTING ON EMPLOYEE-SPECIFIC FACETS IN INDIA: A COMPARISON BETWEEN MOONLIGHTERS AND NON-MOONLIGHTERS

Abstract

The controversy over moonlighting has sparked new investigations into its practices. In this regard, the goal of this study is to assess the gap between moonlighters and non-moonlighters in India with regard to personal concerns such as mental wellbeing, work-related stress, and job satisfaction. To investigate this issue, a sample comprising 1082 employees from 10 cities in India was chosen. The effect of moonlighting on the following seven personal domains of an individual’s life: mental health, physical health, socio-personal relationships, work performance, work-life balance, stress, and job satisfaction were analyzed using a Multivariate analysis of Variance (MANOVA). The analysis revealed statistically significant results. In addition, a multiple univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to explore the distinctions between moonlighters and non-moonlighters with regard to the personal attributes of subjects in the study sample. Results indicate that the non-moonlighters showed better mental and physical health compared to the moonlighters. Furthermore, non-moonlighters also demonstrated better socio-personal relations and work performance, lower stress levels, and higher overall job satisfaction compared to moonlighters. Despite this, moonlighters appear to have a better work-life balance relative to non-moonlighters.