From Perfection to performance: A Moderated Mediation process

Abstract

The Present study empirically examines the impact of perfectionist striving on active behavior and task performance. Work motivation used as a mediating mechanism and basic psychological needs employed as a moderator between perfectionist striving and workplace behaviors. It’s a moderated mediating study because of the interest of knowing the conditional nature of mediating variable. Self-determination theory has been employed as theoretical background of these relationships in order to have full and thorough understanding of the link from perfection to performance. Data were collected from 220 subordinates-supervisor matching dyads of engineers from different organizations of Pakistan using convenient sampling technique. Exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression used to check the direct relationships. Indirect macro used for mediating relations and process macro used for moderating relation of the study. Results supported the positive association of perfectionist striving with task performance and proactive behaviour. Furthermore, results also supported the mediating effect of work motivation. However, results could not predict the moderating role of basic psychological needs. Moreover, findings of present research bring an important implications for organizations to consider perfectionism as positive attitude because it relates to adaptive outcome and positive work behaviours such as performance.