A social exchange examination of upper-level management and supervisor organizational embodiment: the roles of supervisor psychological contract fulfillment and conscientiousness

Abstract

ABSTRACT In effort to extend supervisor organizational embodiment (SOE) research, we integrate social exchange and psychological contract theories to examine and explain how upper-level management impacts SOE. We propose that when upper-level managers demonstrate ethical leadership, middle-level supervisors are likely to reciprocate positively by acting as organizational agents who embody the key attributes of their organizations. Conversely, when upper-level managers demonstrate abusive management, middle-level supervisors are likely to reciprocate negatively by acting as independent agents who reject the key attributes of their organizations. We also position and find support that supervisor psychological contract fulfillment (PCF) mediates the relationships between (1) upper-level managerial ethical leadership and SOE and (2) upper-level abusive management and SOE. Additionally, high levels of supervisor conscientiousness strengthened these relationships. In summary, results from a multi-source field study support our proposed first-stage moderated-mediation model. Implications, limitations, and future research are noted.