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Leading the Challenge: Leader Support Modifies the Effect of Role Ambiguity on Engagement and Extra-Role Behaviors in Public Employees

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Martínez-Díaz

    (IPTORA Research Team, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Miguel A. Mañas-Rodríguez

    (IPTORA Research Team, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Pedro A. Díaz-Fúnez

    (IPTORA Research Team, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • José M. Aguilar-Parra

    (Hum-878 Research Team, Health Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

Abstract

The assumption of new challenges and services to provide, and the evolution of new technologies in public administration, give employees an important perception of ambiguity when carrying out their work. Role ambiguity has been conceptualized as one of the main impeding demands at work with negative consequences. The objective of the present study is to analyze the moderating effect of the support by the department head in the negative influence of the role ambiguity on the engagement and the extra-role performance behaviors of the employees. The hypothesis is proposed that the support of the department head will mean the transformation of role ambiguity into a challenging job demand with positive results. A total of 315 public employees with administrative staff have participated in this study. Results confirmed that the support of the leader moderates the effects of role ambiguity. The inclusion of this variable as a moderator transforms the influence of role ambiguity on the employees’ engagement into a positive one and reduces their negative effect on extra-role performance behaviors. These results reinforce the role of leader support as a protective element against job demands in public administrations. Theoretical and practical implications and future lines of research are discussed at the end of the work.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Martínez-Díaz & Miguel A. Mañas-Rodríguez & Pedro A. Díaz-Fúnez & José M. Aguilar-Parra, 2021. "Leading the Challenge: Leader Support Modifies the Effect of Role Ambiguity on Engagement and Extra-Role Behaviors in Public Employees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8408-:d:611020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vicente Pecino & Miguel A. Mañas & Pedro A. Díaz-Fúnez & José M. Aguilar-Parra & David Padilla-Góngora & Remedios López-Liria, 2019. "Organisational Climate, Role Stress, and Public Employees’ Job Satisfaction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Zhou, Qin & Martinez, Luis F. & Ferreira, Aristides I. & Rodrigues, Piedade, 2016. "Supervisor support, role ambiguity and productivity associated with presenteeism: A longitudinal study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(9), pages 3380-3387.
    3. Marisa Salanova & Hedy Acosta-Antognoni & Susana Llorens & Pascale Le Blanc, 2021. "We Trust You! A Multilevel-Multireferent Model Based on Organizational Trust to Explain Performance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-21, April.
    4. Wu, Chia-Huei & Parker, Sharon K., 2017. "The role of leader support in facilitating proactive work behaviour: a perspective from attachment theory," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 57311, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    5. Jari J. Hakanen & Annina Ropponen & Hans De Witte & Wilmar B. Schaufeli, 2019. "Testing Demands and Resources as Determinants of Vitality among Different Employment Contract Groups. A Study in 30 European Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-17, December.
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    Cited by:

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