Effects of Supervisor-Subordinate Guanxi and Subordinate’s Traditionality on Work Engagement and Job Performance: A Moderated Mediation Model

Abstract

Abstract: Drawing upon social exchange theory, the current study aims to reveal the effects of supervisor-subordinate guanxi on subordinate’s work engagement and job performance, and to explore the moderating role of subordinate’ s traditionality. Based on a two-wave survey data of 192 employees, results show that: (1) guanxi is positively related to subordinate’s work engagement, and enhances subordinate’s job performance through the indirect effect of work engagement; (2) subordinate’ s traditionality moderates the effects of guanxi on work engagement. Specifically, guanxi is positively and significantly associated with work engagement only when subordinate’s traditionality is high rather than low; and (3) a moderated mediation model is supported in such a manner that the indirect effect of guanxi on job performance via work engagement is significant only when traditionality is high rather than low. The current study contributes to the literature of supervisor-subordinate guanxi and traditionality, both of which reflect the characteristics of traditional Chinese values, and also provides guidance for employee management practices under Chinese organizational context.

Key words: supervisor-subordinate guanxi, traditionality, job performance, work engagement, social exchange theory

Su Yongfa, Bai Xinwen, Ming Xiaodong. Effects of Supervisor-Subordinate Guanxi and Subordinate’s Traditionality on Work Engagement and Job Performance: A Moderated Mediation Model[J]. Management Review, 2022, 34(11): 193-205.

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