Self-regulatory processes as mediators of the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and prosocial organizational behaviors

Abstract

Introduction: The number of publications related to prosocial organizational behaviors (POB) increased in the past years. however, only a small number of studies focus on the intrapersonal process associated with these individual differences. Goals: The present article investigated the mediation role that three self-regulatory processes (SRP) play on the relationship between POB and perceived partner responsiveness (PPR). Method: Participants were 206 Brazilian professionals (56 % women), with mean age of 34.4 years (SD = 9.16 years), hired in different organizations, who answered an online survey. Most participants worked in the services (31.1%) and industry (27.7%) fields. Data provided was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Results: SRP help to understand the interpersonal relationships at the work place in their complexity. They also stress the need to help professionals to be aware of the existence of SRP and the ways in which they influence their behaviors. Discussion: SRP might interfere significantly, for example, on how the PPR contributes to promote POB. Conclusions: Our findings encourage researchers to pay closer attention to the relationship between the constructs of PPR and POB in the future, and to explore other possible mediating or moderating variables within the larger social network of organizations.