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The curvilinear effect of perceived overqualification on constructive voice: The moderating role of leader consultation and the mediating role of work engagement

Jinyun Duan1; Ying Xia2; Yue Xu3; Chia-Huei Wu4,5

1 The School of Psychology and Cognitive Science East China Normal University Shanghai China · 2 Business School Nanjing University Nanjing China · 3 International Business School Suzhou Xi'an Jiaotong‐Liverpool University Suzhou China · 4 Leeds University Business School University of Leeds Leeds UK · 5 Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital China Medical University Taichung Taiwan

Human Resource Management 2022

AbstractDrawing on the social cognitive theory of self‐regulation, we proposed a model considering an inverted U‐shaped relationship between perceived overqualification and constructive voice. We reasoned from the theory that this curvilinear effect would be moderated by leader consultation, which could intensify the upward curvilinear trend and neutralize the downward curvilinear trend, and be mediated by work engagement. We conducted two studies to test our model. In Study 1, based on a three‐wave time‐lagged sample of 293 employees and 120 supervisors, we found an inverted U‐shaped relationship between perceived overqualification and constructive voice, which was moderated by leader consultation. In Study 2, we examined the proposed mediated moderation model using a sample of 231 matched leader–subordinate dyads. We found that, at lower levels, perceived overqualification has a positive association with constructive voice, which is mediated by work engagement, especially at higher leader consultation. At higher levels, perceived overqualification has a negative association with work engagement and thus constructive voice, especially at lower levels of leader consultation. The implications of our research are discussed.

DOI
10.1002/hrm.22106
Volume
61 (4)
Pages
489-510
Language
en
Export
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Sources
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