How leader humor stimulates subordinate boundary-spanning behavior: A social information processing theory perspective

Abstract

Based on social information processing theory, we provide a novel theoretical account of how and when leader humor influences subordinate boundary-spanning behavior. We develop a moderated mediation model explicating the mechanism of psychological safety and the boundary condition of subordinate interpersonal influence. Using multiwave data, we tested our research hypotheses with a sample of 452 members from 140 teams in a Chinese information technology (IT) company. Results showed that leader humor positively affects subordinate boundary-spanning behavior via increased psychological safety. Moreover, this mediated effect is stronger when subordinates have high interpersonal influence. These findings offer theoretical and practical insights into boundary-spanning activities and leader humor, which we discuss.

Employee Proactive Personality and Career Growth: The Role of Proactive Behavior and Leader Proactive Personality

“…In contrast to voice behavior, which refers to the communication of constructive ideas to improve the state of the organization, taking charge refers to concrete actions to bring about functional change in the organization [ 31 , 32 ]. According to social information processing theory, the organizational environment attracts employees’ attention and provides cues that they use to interpret events, form attitudes, and determine their actions [ 10 ]. Proactive employees tend to act as change agents who challenge the status quo and address and solve problems they identify without being asked to ensure the functioning of the organization as well as their own development.…”

“…Employees who take charge must plan, coordinate, and communicate the changes they seek. As a result, they take a leadership role in change, which earns them the respect of other organizational members [ 10 , 35 ]. When they need advice or support from managers or colleagues during the process, collaborative relationships are established or strengthened.…”

“…According to social information processing theory, leaders’ behavioral orientations and preferences (e.g., personality dispositions) are important sources of information and situational conditions that influence employees’ perceptions of the work environment as well as their behaviors [ 8 , 10 , 37 ]. Therefore, we assume that leaders’ proactive personality can significantly influence the relationship between employees’ proactive personality and their proactive behaviors.…”

“…Meanwhile, in the process of social information processing, employees make behavioral choices, such as engaging in voice behavior and/or taking charge, based on processing information from the social/organizational environment. Thus, we expect that proactive employees who process information about organizational shortcomings will propose (voice) and/or implement (take charge) changes to improve organizational functionality, which will also affect their career outcomes [ 9 , 10 ], i.e., support their intrinsic and extrinsic career growth.…”

Modelo de trabajo colaborativo online desde la perspectiva socioemocional

“…La literatura recoge el concepto de Early Active Collaborator para designar a aquellos jugadores de equipo que fomentan el sentido de comunidad, que comparten sus problemas, y que desarrollan vínculos sociales con el resto de los integrantes (Huang y Lajoie, 2023). Wang et al (2022) concluyen que los trabajadores con alta influencia interpersonal son más propensos a desarrollar seguridad psicológica, lo que posteriormente les propicia más facilidad a la hora de abordar los problemas.…”