Abstract
Core self-evaluations (CSEs) are fundamental traits that represent an individual’s appraisal of his/her self-worth and competency. CSEs have been directly linked to numerous workplace outcomes, yet less is understood about the mediating mechanisms through which CSEs are related to outcomes. In this study, we examine the process through which CSEs promote favorable outcomes by examining the mediating role of both leader-member exchange (LMX) and work engagement in the CSE—organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) relationship. Using an approach-avoidance theoretical framework, we hypothesize that the relationship between CSEs and OCBs is mediated by the quality of the individual’s relationship with their leader (i.e., LMX quality) and his/her level of work engagement. Our results provide broad support for the hypothesized multiple mediation relationships whereby CSEs are indirectly related to OCBs through both LMX quality and work engagement. A discussion of these findings and their implications for both theory and practice is provided.
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Gullifor, D.P., Noghani, F., Lester, S.W. et al. Linking Core Self-Evaluations to Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: An Approach-Avoidance Perspective. J Bus Psychol 38, 925–939 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-022-09831-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-022-09831-1