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Idiosyncratic Deals and Helping Behavior: The Moderating Role of I-deal Opportunity for Co-workers

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Abstract

Purpose

This study draws from social comparison theory to explore why and under which circumstances individuals receiving idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) are likely to help their co-workers.

Design

Data were collected with an alumni association of engineers. Participants completed two questionnaires (N = 182 at Time 2).

Findings

We find that the relationship between i-deals and helping behavior is not direct, but is mediated by organizational-based self-esteem. This relationship is stronger when i-deal recipients believe that their co-workers do not have the opportunity to get i-deals for themselves.

Implications

I-deal recipients are expected to help their colleagues because helping colleagues is consistent with the positive self developed thanks to i-deals. When co-workers have the opportunity to get i-deals for themselves, social comparison between the i-deal recipient and colleagues is likely to be more salient, which strengthen the indirect relationship between i-deal and helping behavior.

Originality

This study tests i-deals from the vantage point of social comparison theory rather than from the perspective of social exchange. We thereby provide a richer account of the complexities involved in helping behavior. By exploring contextual variables that are likely to trigger social comparisons, we also expect to better understand the circumstances under which i-deals are likely to be associated with helping behavior.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Resources, ESG, University of Quebec at Montreal, CP 8888, Succ. Centre ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada

    Sylvie Guerrero

  2. IUT GEA Rangueil, University of Toulouse 3, 133 Avenue de Rangueil, 31400, Toulouse, France

    Hélène Challiol-Jeanblanc

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  1. Sylvie Guerrero
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  2. Hélène Challiol-Jeanblanc
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Correspondence to Sylvie Guerrero.

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Guerrero, S., Challiol-Jeanblanc, H. Idiosyncratic Deals and Helping Behavior: The Moderating Role of I-deal Opportunity for Co-workers. J Bus Psychol 31, 433–443 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-015-9421-x

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