Effect of perceived overqualification on work performance: Influence of moderator and mediator

Abstract

This cross-sectional quantitative study explores the influence of perceived overqualification (POQ) on work performance (WP) with the mediating effect of job crafting (JC) and the moderating effect of perceived organizational support (POS). Data were collected from a sample of 276 female corporate executives working in different organizations in Bangladesh. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the demographic information. The relationships among the constructs were determined through regression analysis. Mediating and moderating effects are explained using Hayes’ SPSS Model 4 and Model 1 process macro, respectively. The results show that POQ has a negative influence on the WP of female corporate employees in Bangladesh. Moreover, JC has a mediating effect on the overqualification and WP relationship, whereas POS did not show a substantial moderating effect on the relationship between POQ and JC. We suggest that human resource managers should be cautious before employing overqualified employees and look for avenues to take advantage of the overqualified employees through empowerment, delegation, recognition, flexibility, and family-friendly policies. Given the mixed evidence of the effect of POQ on employee attitudes and behavior, it attempts to verify the POQ–work performance relationship through JC, which is an unexplored avenue of research. Furthermore, exploring the moderating role of POS in the POQ–work performance connection is a novel endeavor.