A dynamic process of different helping behavior: from the extended self-theory perspective

Abstract

PurposeDrawing on the extended self-theory, this study explores the dynamic process through which reactive helping could influence proactive helping through self-investment and investigate the moderating role of task difficulty in affecting this process.Design/methodology/approachThis study, with a sample of 582 diary surveys from 66 employees, used experience sampling techniques to analyze the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe results revealed that self-investment could mediate the positive relationship between reactive helping and proactive helping. Additionally, task difficulty acts as an essential role in facilitating the process raised by reactive helping. Further examination revealed that the moderated mediation effect in this model was also significant.Practical implicationsManagers should encourage help-seeking and positive responses to requests, especially in groups with difficult tasks, which could build helpers’ extended self at work and increase their proactive helping behaviors at the following episode.Originality/valueAs verifying the dynamic trajectory of reactive helping, this study enriches our understanding of whether and how helping behaviors are likely to grow over time. Besides, it complements current pieces of literature by exploring the potential positive implication of reactive helping with a helper-centric perspective.

Help-seeking at work: an integrative review, organizing framework and agenda for future research

“…From an organizational management perspective, this might indicate that asking others for help is also a means of helping or encouraging others. Ouyang et al (2022) found that responding to NBRI 15,2 others' requests can prompt employees to invest more physical, cognitive or emotional resources in self-expansion, leading to more proactive helping in the future. Additionally, we believe it would be promising to explore how leaders assess and react to subordinates seeking help from their peers and them.…”