Impact of family supportive leadership on taking charge behaviour: resource-gain-development framework perspective

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the resource-gain-development framework, this study aims to explore the mediating mechanism of work–family enrichment (WFE) and psychological distress, and the potential positive effect of co-worker support, on employees’ work behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was obtained via a three-stage survey with 400 frontline employees from 13 distinct industries.

Findings

This study found that family-supportive leadership (FSL) has a positive impact on employees’ taking charge behaviour (TCB). WFE and psychological distress partially mediated the effect of FSL on TCB and WFE and psychological distress played a serial mediating role between FSL and TCB. Co-worker support positively moderated the relationship between FSL and WFE, TCB and psychological distress.

Research limitations/implications

Managers should consider the problems and difficulties that employees may encounter in completing their work tasks and performance and minimise the interference of non-work factors on employees’ work status. Organisations should also facilitate diversity training for managers to respond to employees’ work and life problems and display family support behaviour.

Originality/value

This study confirmed the role of FSL in WFE, psychological distress and TCB. The results can provide guidance for managers to motivate employees’ TCB.

Citation

Jin, S., Fu, X. and Yan, Y. (2024), "Impact of family supportive leadership on taking charge behaviour: resource-gain-development framework perspective", Chinese Management Studies, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 785-801. https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-10-2022-0359