From errors to OCBs and creativity: A multilevel mediation mechanism of workplace gratitude

Abstract

This study uses organizational support theory and broaden-and-build theory to examine the antecedents and consequences of workplace gratitude. Specifically, we explored the moderating role of job satisfaction and the mediating role of gratitude at work, including team error management climate as a predictor and OCBs and creativity as outcome variables. Using multiphase, multisource, and multilevel data of 229 employees from 33 teams of two architectural companies located in the east of China, we found that team error management climate is conducive to enhancing employees’ workplace gratitude, and that increased workplace gratitude then stimulates more organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) and creativity among employees. The positive effect of team error management climate on workplace gratitude and the indirect effect of team error management climate on OCBs and creativity are stronger for employees with lower job satisfaction. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for managing employees’ gratitude in the workplace.