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Showing commitment or incompetence? When and how newcomers' information seeking elevates (degrades) task-related outcomes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 January 2023

Hui Deng Open the ORCID record for Hui Deng [Opens in a new window] ,
Yihua Zhang ,
Shaoxue Wu ,
Wenbing Wu ,
Dan Ni  and
Xiaoyan Zhang
Hui Deng
Affiliation:
Beijing Jiaotong University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
Yihua Zhang*
Affiliation:
Pepperdine University, Malibu, USA
Shaoxue Wu
Affiliation:
Beijing Jiaotong University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
Wenbing Wu
Affiliation:
Beijing Jiaotong University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
Dan Ni
Affiliation:
Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
Xiaoyan Zhang
Affiliation:
Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
*
Author for correspondence: Yihua Zhang, E-mail: yihua.zhang@pepperdine.edu
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Abstract

To date, empirical research exploring the complex mechanisms of when and how information seeking from supervisor affects newcomers' task-related outcomes remains in its infancy. With a sample of 394 newcomers and their supervisors, drawing on the conservation of resources theory and professional image construction theory, we proposed and confirmed two paradoxical paths regarding perceptions of professional image construction – concern about impairing competence-image and confidence in improving commitment-image – that connect newcomers' information seeking from supervisor with their emotional exhaustion during socialization and ultimately can elevate and degrade their task-related outcomes, respectively. In addition, we found that supervisors' favorable feedback weakened the relationship between information seeking from supervisor and competence-image impairment concern, whereas it strengthened the linkage between information seeking and commitment-image improvement confidence. This study thus provides a more comprehensive picture for scholars and practitioners.

Keywords

Commitment-image improvement confidencecompetence-image impairment concernemotional exhaustionnewcomers' information seekingtask masterytask performance

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 30 , Special Issue 6: Authentic Leadership: 20-Year Review , November 2024 , pp. 1936 - 1958
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press in association with the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management

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