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Speaking for organization or self? Investigating the effects of perceived overqualification on pro-organizational and self-interested voice

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  • Ma, Chao
  • Shang, Sudong
  • Zhao, Honglei
  • Zhong, Jie
  • Chan, Xi Wen

Abstract

Guided by uncertainty management theory, we investigate the effects of POQ on both pro-organizational voice behavior and self-interested voice behavior through the mediating role of felt uncertainty. In addition, we propose that ethical leadership serves as a key moderator mitigating the negative relationship between POQ and felt uncertainly. We tested our proposed model across two multi-wave and multi-source field studies. Specifically, with 411 subordinate–supervisor matched observations in Study 1, we found that POQ predicted higher levels of felt uncertainty, which in turn, was negatively related to pro-organizational voice behavior and positively related to self-interested voice behavior. In Study 2, with 188 subordinate–supervisor matched observations, we replicated the mediating effects of Study 1 and tested the full moderated mediation model in Study2. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of felt uncertainty as a key underlying mechanism influencing overqualified employees’ voice choices. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ma, Chao & Shang, Sudong & Zhao, Honglei & Zhong, Jie & Chan, Xi Wen, 2023. "Speaking for organization or self? Investigating the effects of perceived overqualification on pro-organizational and self-interested voice," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:168:y:2023:i:c:s014829632300574x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114215
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bao Cheng & Xing Zhou & Gongxing Guo & Kezhen Yang, 2020. "Perceived Overqualification and Cyberloafing: A Moderated-Mediation Model Based on Equity Theory," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 164(3), pages 565-577, July.
    2. Yuyan Zheng & Les Graham & Jiing-Lih Farh & Xu Huang, 2021. "The Impact of Authoritarian Leadership on Ethical Voice: A Moderated Mediation Model of Felt Uncertainty and Leader Benevolence," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 170(1), pages 133-146, April.
    3. Yidong Tu & Xinxin Lu & Jin Nam Choi & Wei Guo, 2019. "Ethical Leadership and Team-Level Creativity: Mediation of Psychological Safety Climate and Moderation of Supervisor Support for Creativity," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 159(2), pages 551-565, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tengfei Guo & Chen Lan & Yi Jiang & Maoyong Huang & Yakun Ni & Yanzhen Xu, 2024. "Perceived overqualification and innovative work behavior: a moderated mediation model," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.

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