The Influence of Differential Atmosphere Perception on Employees’ Discretionary Work Behavioural Intentions—The Role of Motivation Hierarchy and Dimensions

Abstract

Abstract: Discretionary work behavior intention (DWBI; three dimensions) has drawn increasing scholarly attention to its within-person level shifts and choices. Extant literature primarily focuses on interpersonal behavioral outcomes, yet rarely examines how multi-dimensional behavioral intentions transform and are selected under situational pressures. Integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation（HMIEM）, we propose and test a two-stage doubly moderated mediation model using 461 multi-wave data. This study disentangles the motivational pathways between differential atmosphere perceptions (trust-type and behavior-type) and DWBI, thereby opening the “black box” of behavioral choice triggers. Results reveal that: (1) differential atmosphere perceptions is significantly associated with work motivations and DWBI; (2) work motivations mediates the link between differential atmosphere perceptions and DWBI; and (3) perceived leader emotional expressions moderate the indirect effect of differential atmosphere perceptions on DWBI via work motivation. The findings illuminate multiple triggering paths and boundary conditions for voluntary work behavior.

Key words: discretionary work behavior intention (DWBI), differential atmosphere perceptions, work motivations, perceived leader emotional expressions

Xia Yongbing, Fang Maotao, Liu Jun. The Influence of Differential Atmosphere Perception on Employees’ Discretionary Work Behavioural Intentions—The Role of Motivation Hierarchy and Dimensions[J]. Management Review, 2025, 37(12): 160-170.

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