Individual self-concept and after-hours work behavior: Effect on employee engagement and the moderating roles of POS and PSS

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) has made it possible for employers and employees to stay connected for work related matters beyond the spatial and temporal boundaries. Yet there exists little understanding of the implications for some vital aspects of work and employee engagement. This study addresses this gap and investigates how an employee's individual self-concept is related to after-hour work behavior (AWB) and its impact on employee engagement. We used multiple hierarchical regression on a sample of 404 employees representing Indian service sector to establish the statistical validity. Results indicated that while individual ambition was insignificant, employees with greater ambition and work as central-life interest were more likely to engage in AWB. Also, AWB was found to be affecting employee engagement (EE). Further, perceived organizational support (POS) moderated the relationship between AWB and EE but perceived supervisors support (PSS) did not. The work has important managerial and practical implications specially after COVID- 19 when ICT has become an indispensable part of any work environment.