Perceived organizational support's role in stressor‐strain relationships

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine when perceived organizational support (POS) may be more likely to play a mediator versus moderator role in stressor and strain relationships by considering POS relative to challenge and hindrance stressors, cognitive/emotional and physical strains.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross‐sectional survey research was conducted in two samples (n=720, 829) of employees working for a large retail organization in the USA. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

As hypothesized, results indicate POS mediates relationships between hindrance stressors and cognitive/emotional strains, but does not mediate relationships between challenge stressors and physical strains. POS does not moderate any of the relationships examined.

Originality/value

This paper is one of few studies to examine challenge and hindrance stressors and to examine POS relative to physical strains.

Citation

Richardson, H.A., Yang, J., Vandenberg, R.J., DeJoy, D.M. and Wilson, M.G. (2008), "Perceived organizational support's role in stressor‐strain relationships", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 789-810. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940810896349