“Thriving at work” or not? Research on the effects of performance pressure based on achievement motivation theory and two-factor theory
Journal of Managerial Psychology
ISSN: 0268-3946
Article publication date: 2 February 2024
Issue publication date: 11 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Based on achievement motivation theory and two-factor theory, this research aimed to synergize cooperative goal interdependence (refer to possessing incentive factors) and illegitimate tasks (refer to the absence of security factors) and build a triple interaction model in the process of performance pressure affecting employees’ thriving at work.
Design/methodology/approach
This research collected 291 valid data through a two-point time-lagged method to test the direct effect of performance pressure on employees’ thriving at work and its moderating mechanism.
Findings
Performance pressure has a significant positive effect on employees’ thriving at work. Cooperative goal interdependence imposes an enhanced moderating effect between performance pressure and employees’ thriving at work. Illegitimate task imposes an interfering moderating effect between performance pressure and employees’ thriving at work and further interferes the enhanced moderating effect of cooperative goal interdependence.
Practical implications
Under the premise of advocating for employees to internalize performance pressure originating from the organizational performance management system into their own achievement motivation, leaders should establish incentive systems and security systems for employees to realize self-achievement through the process of goal management and task management.
Originality/value
This research confirmed the joint determination of incentive effect and insecurity effect on employees’ achievement motivation by cooperative goal interdependence and illegitimate task and revealed the boundary conditions of employees’ choice of thriving at work.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Hainan Province Postdoctoral Research Funding Project of China: Why Choose to “Skate By” in the Era of “Rat Race” - Research on the Effects of Performance Pressure Based on Achievement Motivation Theory and Two-Factor Theory (RZ2300005726); Yi Zhou Organization Management Research Fund of China: Why “Skate By” Instead of “Rat Race”? The Effects of Performance Pressure Based on Achievement Motivation Theory and Two-Factor Theory; and National Social Science Foundation of China: Research on the “Double-Edged Sword” Effect and Countermeasures of Psychological Ownership in the Process of Employee Entrepreneurship (21BGL147).
Citation
He, Q., Fu, J., Wu, W. and Feng, S. (2024), "“Thriving at work” or not? Research on the effects of performance pressure based on achievement motivation theory and two-factor theory", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 39 No. 2, pp. 146-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-04-2023-0218
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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