Influence of Individual Skill Variety on Side-Hustle Intention: The Mediating Effect of Role Breadth Self-Efficacy and the Moderating Role of Side-Hustle Meaningfulness

Abstract

As the gig economy grows, the side hustle has become a hot topic; however, little research has focused on the influence of side-hustle behavior from a microscopic perspective. This study explores how and when individual skill variety affects side-hustle intention from an individual level. Based on self-determination theory, this study constructs an influence model of individual skill variety on side-hustle intention with role breadth self-efficacy as the mediator and side-hustle meaningfulness as the moderator. Data collected from 402 individuals in China through a questionnaire survey were used for empirical analysis. The results indicate that (a) individual skill variety is positively associated with side-hustle intention; (b) role breadth self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the relationship between individual skill variety and side-hustle intention; (c) side-hustle meaningfulness moderates the relationship between role breadth self-efficacy and side-hustle intention, and moderates the mediating effect of role breadth self-efficacy. Finally, the theoretical implications and limitations are discussed.