The Interactive Effects of Divestiture Socialization and Self-Monitoring Personality on Newcomers’ Authenticity, Well-Being, and Creativity

Abstract

This research examines the impact of divestiture socialization on the well-being, authenticity, and work creativity of newcomer frontline employees. It is proposed that authenticity will mediate the effect of divestiture socialization on well-being and creativity while self-monitoring personality’s two dimensions of “other directedness” and “public performance” differently moderate the influence of divestiture socialization. “Public performance” can buffer the negative impact of divestiture socialization on authenticity, while “other directedness” can exacerbate the negative impact. The indirect effects of divestiture socialization on employees’ well-being and creativity through the expression of authenticity are also proposed to be moderated by the effects of self-monitoring dimensions. The study sample includes 217 newcomer frontline employees working in hospitality firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A time-lagged research design is used to collect the data. The moderated mediation analyses support the proposed relationships. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.