The effect of decent work on voice behavior: The mediating role of thriving at work and the moderating role of proactive personality

Abstract

Although it has become common sense that decent work is beneficial, few studies have discussed how it works. To fill the gap, this study explored how the principle of decent work impacts voice behavior. Based on the broaden-and-build theory, thriving at work was adopted as mediator for the relationship between decent work and voice behavior. Proactive personality was adopted as moderator, and assessed whether the indirect relationship between decent work and voice behavior through thriving at work was weaker when the level of proactive personality was higher. Data were collected from 361 part-time MBA students in Southwest China. The study found a positive relationship between decent work and voice behavior. The study also partially supported the finding that thriving at work played a mediating role and proactive personality played a moderating role. In summary, this research further explained the benefits of decent work and supported the concept that a proactive personality can moderate the effect of decent work.