Role Clarity and Individual Performance at Work: The Role of Emotional Exhaustion and Interpersonal Justice

Abstract

Purpose - This study examines the effects of role clarity on individual performance at work and emotional exhaustion and the moderating effect of interpersonal justice on the relationship between them. Additionally, this study investigated the moderated mediating effect of emotional exhaustion on the relationship between role clarity and individual performance.
 Design/Methodology/Approach - Data were collected through an online response method from 327 employees of companies located in Seoul, Korea. This study verified hypotheses using the SPSS 28.0 program and the PROCESS Macro v4.2 program.
 Findings - The results of this study are as follows: first, role clarity was found to have a positive effect on individual performance and a negative effect on emotional exhaustion; second, interpersonal justice was shown to moderate the relationship between emotional exhaustion and individual performance; and finally, emotional exhaustion was found to have a moderated mediation of the relationship between role clarity and individual performance.
 Research Implications - The results of this study have several practical implications. First, companies should clarify employees’ roles in performing their jobs through an accurate division of duties. Second, companies should attract and foster leaders who act fairly. Finally, companies should try to reduce the emotional exhaustion of their employees.