Role Theory Research Articles

Bridging role conflict and active lurking: the role of transformational leadership in B2B online communities

Purpose In the turbulence of a business-to-business (B2B) environment, employees often face role conflict as the result of changes in task allocations due to work requirements. This research uses organizational role theory to investigate the impact of role conflict on active lurking in B2B online communities. Active lurking, defined as the behavior of seeking information and acquiring knowledge without contributing, contrasts with posters who actively share knowledge. By focusing on these dynamics, this study aims to deepen the understanding of knowledge management (KM) practices and behaviors within B2B contexts. Design/methodology/approach This research conducts two experimental studies with a behavioral outcome to examine the impact of role conflict on active lurking and the mediating role of knowledge self-efficacy in this regard. Findings The results also indicate the moderating role of transformational leadership, such that when transformational leadership is low, role conflict decreases knowledge self-efficacy and active lurking. In contrast, this effect is attenuated in a high transformational leadership environment. The findings contribute to the KM literature by demonstrating how role conflict influences knowledge-sharing behaviors in B2B contexts and by capturing active lurking using a behavioral measure. Practical implications The implications of this study offer strategies to address role conflict and mitigate its negative impact. By integrating the concepts of posters and lurkers into the research framework, this paper offers a fresh perspective on organizational role conflict and KM. It provides insights into lurkers and active lurking behavior in B2B online communities, thereby extending the KM literature. Originality/value The findings of this research are novel as they first show the moderating role of transformational leadership, wherein when transformational leadership is low, role conflict decreases knowledge self-efficacy and active lurking and second it extends the literature on online knowledge sharing in a B2B context by capturing the role of active lurking through a behavioral measure.

The gendered nature of leader behaviors: Navigating stereotype threat from conservation of resources and gender role perspectives.

Previous research has highlighted the benefits followers gain from their leaders' initiating structure and consideration. Adopting a leader-centric perspective, we propose that leaders' gender influences the impact of these behaviors for leaders themselves. Drawing from conservation of resources and gender role theories, we explain why gender-role-inconsistent leader behaviors (behaviors that go against gender stereotypes, such as initiating structure for women and consideration for men) is detrimental, while engaging in gender-role-consistent leader behaviors (such as initiating structure for men and consideration for women) is beneficial. We further theorize that follower support mitigates the negative effects of gender-role-inconsistent behaviors. We tested our hypotheses across four studies-an experience sampling field study (Study 1) and three experiments (Studies 2 through 4). Study 1 revealed initiating structure for women leaders elicited gender stereotype threat, which depleted women leaders. This resulted in increased work withdrawal and reduced initiating structure and consideration the next day. Study 1 also showed that initiating structure and consideration increased both men and women leaders' perceived leader effectiveness, which, in turn, increased their work engagement, further increasing their initiating structure and consideration the next day. Study 2 replicated these results, and Studies 3 and 4 showed that follower support mitigated the depletion effects of gender stereotype threat by initiating structure for women leaders. Our research highlights the benefits and detriments of leader behaviors and identifies how followers can alleviate the costs associated with initiating structure for women leaders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Crossing Gender Boundaries: Exploring the Chain-Mediated Causal Role of Social Media Sharing in Shaping Interpersonal Networks and Enhancing Job Satisfaction.

The theoretical relationship between social media use and job satisfaction, especially concerning gender-specific mechanisms, remains a subject of ongoing debate in the literature. This divergence reflects our insufficient understanding of the complex relationships among gender, social media use, and job satisfaction. Drawing on Social Role Theory (SRT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study utilizes 4651 valid samples from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database to investigate how gender influences interpersonal relationships through social media sharing frequency, thereby enhancing job satisfaction. The findings indicate that women, compared to men, exhibit higher job satisfaction and more frequent social media sharing behavior. Moreover, the frequency of social media sharing positively affects job satisfaction by improving interpersonal relationships. This study employs a chain-mediated causal path analysis to delve into the causal relationships among gender, social media sharing frequency, and interpersonal relationships, effectively addressing previous limitations in handling multiple mediating effects. The findings not only provide new insights into the role of social media in the modern workplace but also offer empirical evidence and practical guidance for organizations on leveraging social media to foster employee relationships and enhance job satisfaction.

Investigation of a Donor Primary School Student’s Perspective on the Concept of Family: a Narrative Study

Abstract The study focused on a family structure consisting of a donor child and his mother, which differs from the traditional family structure, aiming to reveal the donor child’s perspective on the concept of family. In this context, a narrative research design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. To explore the child’s life through narratives, interviews were conducted with the donor child, his mother, and his primary school teacher. The study’s data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using narrative thematic analysis. Based on family theories such as “attachment theory, role theory, and network theory,” significant findings were obtained regarding a donor-conceived child’s perception of the concept of family as a combination of a secure attachment relationship and experiences in the social environment. It was generally concluded that the child’s relationships with people in the home, school, and social environments were positive. Additionally, the child demonstrated a positive approach toward concepts such as “family, father, and relatives” when he was with his securely attached mother. However, it was observed that he exhibited negative attitudes toward the absence of a father and other relatives in school and social environments where he was away from his securely attached mother. It is believed that this study will shed light on future research concerning the education and family life of donor-conceived children.

When women speak up: investigating how gender influences the effect of workplace incivility on performance via voice behaviour

ABSTRACT Workplace incivility can cause adverse impacts on employees’ voices and performance in public service organisations. Drawing on social exchange and gender role theory, this study examined a moderated mediation model of the indirect effect of workplace incivility on performance via voice behaviour in which employees’ gender moderated the relationship. This study employed a quantitative method with a multi-wave data collection technique. Participants were recruited from various public service organisations in Indonesia. After removing participants who did not fully participate and failed the attention check item, 365 responses were retained for the data analysis. Data were analysed using Hayes’ moderated mediation regression technique with bootstrapping resampling of 5000. Results suggested that workplace incivility directly reduced employee performance. However, the indirect effect was not observed, as workplace incivility did not influence voice behaviour. The mediation model was moderated by gender in which female employees showed a positive impact of workplace incivility on performance via voice behaviour. Female employees were encouraged to speak up when they found incivility. This study can enrich scholars’ and practitioners’ understanding of workplace incivility across different contexts and cultures. Public service organisations can address workplace incivility by improving inclusive policies and procedures for all employees regardless of gender.

Are female entrepreneurs ambidextrous leaders? A qualitative study through the lens of social role theory

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how female leaders demonstrate ambidextrous leadership behaviors amid perceived role incongruity. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted an exploratory, qualitative approach. Data is collected via interviews with 14 female business owners and analyzed thematically. Findings As entrepreneurs, the female leaders draw on both communal and agentic traits; they also demonstrate both opening and closing leadership behaviors and can switch between leadership behaviors and traits as may be required by the situation. Experiences of gender-specific challenges were less visible for this group, and the female leaders consider all actions taken to ensure business venture success as superseding role expectations of any kind. Research limitations/implications The research design may limit the extent to which the findings can be generalized. Practical implications The study provides insights on issues such as gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10) and uncovers ways to support female leaders or encourage young girls to embrace leadership opportunities and business ownership. Current and future female leaders may also find this study useful to boost self-efficacy and navigate gender-specific leadership challenges. Originality/value This study shows that female entrepreneurs are ambidextrous leaders and gender-related challenges are less visible for female entrepreneurs/business owners. It highlights that consideration for business success is more important to female entrepreneurs than concerns about role incongruity. Also, the study shows that female entrepreneurs need to balance communal traits and agentic traits as well as opening and closing leadership behaviors to successfully lead their business ventures.

PERAN BADAN PERMUSYAWARATAN DESA DALAM PERENCANAAN PEMBANGUNAN DESA MEDALEM

This study will examine the role of the Village Consultative Body (BPD) in the development planning of Medalem Village using Soerjono Soekanto's role theory. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of the Village Consultative Body (BPD) in the development planning of Medalem Village according to the six indicators of Soerjono Soekanto's role theory. The research method is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques through observation and interviews. The results of this study show that the role of the BPD of Medalem Village has not been fully implemented. It is proven from the results obtained that 3 of the 6 indicators of Soekanto's role theory still have problems, namely (1) role conflict in the form of unclear information delivery between the BPD; (2) rights and obligations in the form of BPD supervision are only formalities without in-depth evaluation; and (3) social expectations in the form of the absence of several BPD members without clear explanation.

The Role of National Unity and Political Bodies in Handling Potential Conflicts in West Java Province

This research aims to analyze the real role of the National Unity and Political Agency in Handling Potential Conflicts in West Java Province. This research uses qualitative research methods with data collection techniques in the form of interviews, observation and literature study, as well as data analysis using interactive models by Miles Huberman, Saldana (2014) and Role Theory according to Bruce J. Cohen (1992). The results of this research show that Bakesbangpol has issued West Java Governor Decree Number: 460.05/Kep.134-Bakesbangpol/2019 concerning the Integrated Team for Handling Regional Social Conflict in West Java Province as a follow-up to efforts to handle conflict. Conflict management carried out by Bakesbangpol in handling potential conflicts is through mediation and conciliation. In the context of successful conflict handling, West Java Bakesbangpol has applied the penta helix principle with a coordination, collaboration and synergy approach. Linked to role theory by Bruce J. Cohen (1992), Bakesbangpol has played a real role (Anacted Role) in resolving the polemic problem of establishing the construction of the Sang Hyang Hurip Santo Antonius Catholic Church in Bandung City. West Java Bakesbangpol also has a situation and condition monitoring application called "SIMBAKESBANGPOL" and a Whatsapp Group between Regency/City Bakesbangpol throughout West Java to find out up to date about conflict cases that occur in the West Java region as a whole.

Being Moral When It Is Counternormative: The Relationship Between the Creative Identity and Moral Objection

Relying on the work on creative prototype and role theory, we demonstrate that having a creative identity can lead to moral objection depending on the implication of the act for one’s identity as a creative individual. In a pilot study using a survey of working adults, we find that employees’ creative identities and their intention to object in moral situations are positively and significantly correlated. Utilizing measurement-of-mediation (Study 1) and experimental mediation (Studies 2–4) approaches, we test and find support for the mediating role of norm-breaking motives predicting moral objection. In Studies 2–4, we find that creative identities lead to moral objection when moral objection is counter-normative and not when it is an expected, normative behavior. Across five studies ( N = 1,327), utilizing both experimental and correlational methods, this paper shows that creative identities can prompt moral objection when such objection is counter-normative, aligning with the creative prototype and reinforcing a creative identity through norm-breaking motives. We extend prior theories on the consequences of creativity, the creative prototype, creative identities, and their link with moral acts.

Ontological security crisis and role conception change: the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the European Union’s role conceptions

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has put significant pressure on the European Union’s (EU) role conceptions, challenging its self-perception as a normative and civilian power. This article explores the impact of the invasion on EU role conceptions through the lens of ontological security theory. We differentiate between ontological insecurity and crisis, elucidating the EU’s responses to acute shocks that disrupt the connection between its self-image and social roles. Drawing on role theory, we examine how the invasion has prompted the EU to reconsider its roles. We identify adjustment, adaptation, innovation, and abandonment as key types of role change, exploring how these responses vary across individual roles within the EU’s role set. By combining qualitative and quantitative content analysis of EU documents, we empirically investigate changes in EU role conceptions pre- and post-invasion. Our analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of role theory’s application to international organizations (IOs), bridging gaps between foreign policy analysis and IO research. In addition, we advance methodological approaches to studying role changes, offering insights into the complex interplay between external events, institutional identity formation, and ontological security in the context of geopolitical crises.

The Influence of Dual Roles on Review Helpfulness: A Trust Transfer Perspective

As more and more review platforms add social networking services, the majority of platforms have evolved into a binary social-commercial environment. In this particular context, readers assess review posters with dual roles in the decision-making process: friend role and reviewer role. Unlike previous studies from a single-role perspective, this study develops a dual-role model for exploring review helpfulness mechanisms based on role theory. More importantly, this study further investigates whether contextual cues of trust transfer affect the interaction effect of the dual role. We first apply a qualitative methodology by using semi-structured interviews with 32 readers of review platforms to extract the relevant dimensions of the dual role. Then, using actual online review data collected from Pconline.com in China, we conduct an econometric analysis to test our hypotheses. The results confirm the interaction of reviewers’ dual roles and the effect of contextual cues of trust transfer in a dual role-based model. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Scientific Supervisor and Scientific Mentor: Updating Old Roles and Meanings

This article examines the development of the scientific mentoring institute in Russian universities. The authors assume that it should be based on scientific ideas about the content and features of the professional roles of a scientific supervisor and a scientific mentor. Despite all the similarities, these roles of research and teaching staff correspond to different functional areas of their activities with their own set of tasks, results, and features of interaction with students. The purpose of this article is to compare the professional roles of a scientific mentor and a scientific supervisor of undergraduate and graduate students for the purpose of updating the meaning of mentoring activities in the field of university research work. The subject of the analysis is the features of the professional role of a student's scientific mentor. Their presence substantiates the independent nature of mentoring activities and "legitimises" it in the role repertoire of research and teaching staff of universities. The empirical basis of the article is the materials of semi-structured interviews with research and teaching staff of Russian universities, conducted within the framework of an all-Russian study (n = 30, 2024). The interpretation of the empirical data is based on the theoretical provisions of the sociological theory of roles, the theory of social identity, the concept of professional morality and ethics. The study not only substantiates the differences in the functional content of professional roles and everyday practices of a supervisor and a mentor, but also reveals the paradoxes of the professional identification of supervisors and mentors, the moral and ethical dimension of their activities. It is shown that the features of the prescriptions, expectations and performance of their roles by supervisors and mentors are manifested in the degree of formality of their rights, duties and responsibilities, the level of individualisation and the nature of the temporal organisation of interactions with students. The practical significance of the results obtained is associated with the possibility of developing university programs to support mentors as key actors in involving students in the academic profession and university science. The role differences between a scientific mentor and a scientific supervisor allow us to further specify the management requirements for different types of professional activity of scientific and pedagogical workers, as well as optimize their resource support. The practical significance of the study for academic workers is to obtain grounds for self-assessment of their readiness for the professional role of a scientific mentor and to determine the areas of professional responsibility associated with this role.

A Sociocultural Position of Women in Leadership: Reflections from Four School Principals’ Lived Vulnerable Experiences

This article investigated the dynamic interaction between the leadership styles of four school principals, their vulnerability, and the interconnected relationships they share. Traditionally, patriarchal social expectations have compelled women to prioritise family responsibilities, often in tension with their career pursuits. This study investigates how women in leadership effectively lead schools despite facing their vulnerable position. In the 21st century, women leaders face challenging management duties. They have stakeholders who regard them as ignorant of leadership matters. Social role theory was applied to foreground this study. The social role theory widely highlights how gender stereotypes are often linked to the gender division of labour that characterised patriarchal society. Coupled with the theory mentioned above, a qualitative interpretive paradigm with phenomenology as a framework enhanced this mode of inquiry, and through individual face-to-face interviews, this paper explored the lived experiences of female school principals. Thematic analysis of the data revealed the resilience of these school principals and the empowerment potential of vulnerability as a management and coping strategy. This paper also offers practical solutions based on the implications of being a woman regarding the vulnerable identity within the leadership role in education spaces.

Beyond laptops and tables: unveiling Singapore’s success in hybrid work through a two-wave gender multigroup analysis of compassionate leadership

PurposeIn recent years, hybrid work has become a new working model. Using the job demands-resources, the conservation of resources and social role theories, we investigate gender disparities in the impact of social support at work and perceived organisational support on shaping various aspects of the hybrid work experience. We further explore whether compassionate leadership is effective in generating these forms of support.Design/methodology/approachOur study is based on data collected from 310 Singaporean white-collar professionals through a two-wave method and analysed using PLS-SEM.FindingsThe results reveal that while compassionate leadership is essential in today's hybrid work environment, men and women perceive differences in the effectiveness of support mechanisms on various dimensions of the hybrid work experience.Originality/valueThis research represents a pioneering effort in elucidating the potential of compassionate leadership in fostering various resources within organisations. Compassionate leadership, characterised by empathy, care and concern for employees, is shown to be instrumental in generating additional forms of resources beyond the conventional metrics. These additional resources may include emotional support, trust and a sense of belonging among employees, which are crucial for their well-being and performance. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on leadership and organisational behaviour by shedding light on the significance of compassion in leadership and the intricate dynamics of hybrid work arrangements. It underscores the importance of fostering a supportive and empathetic leadership style to navigate the challenges of contemporary work structures effectively.

Barriers and resilience: The impact of early marriage on girls’ education in Balochistan

Early child marriage is still prevalent in many parts of the world today, especially in areas like Balochistan, where this paper found cultural and socioeconomic factors play an influential role in early marriage. The purpose of this qualitative research is to examine the effect of early marriage on the education of young girls in Balochistan. Guided by the intersectionality framework and gender role theory, this research explores the educational disruption and psychosocial implications, as well as the community and family pressures undergone by these girls, with 10 participants interviewed. The evidence presented shows that regardless of the education achieved prior to marriage, girls drop out of school at the moment they get married and, depending on the custom, continue their education either sparingly or not at all, as their responsibilities shift to housekeeping and child raising. On self-perceived psychosocial impact, participants mentioned isolation, loss of self-esteem, and increased psychological stress as some of the major effects. The challenges were, however, compounded by social and cultural dictating that education for married girls was unnecessary as they were already expected to be wives and future mothers; in-laws also added to this by rejecting the girl’s education. Still, in these circumstances, the participants’ spirit and desire for change remained high; most of them wanted to go back to school if only they had a chance. Such findings underscore the importance of developing the appropriate programs and services that would facilitate the removal of barriers educationally and psychologically facing young married girls. This study has established the need to educate married girls and supply all the necessary encouragement they need to combat the difficulties that early marriage brings.

The Impact of Supervisor Gender on Employee Creativity and the Mediating Role of Interaction Frequency

While it is well established that leader characteristics influence employee outcomes, little is known about whether and how leader gender influences employee creativity. Traditionally, female leaders are considered a mismatch for prototypical leadership roles, resulting in less optimal employee outcomes than male leaders. In this paper, drawing on social role and leader-member exchange theories, we argue that female supervisors may have advantages over male supervisors and may serve as a catalyst to encourage employee creativity. In the empirical analyses, we test our hypotheses using data from German, Japanese, and South Korean foreignsubsidiaries in China. Results confirm our hypotheses and contribute to creativity and innovation literature by demonstrating that female supervisors positively influence employee creativity, challenging traditional gender role stereotypes in leadership. Additionally, it highlights the mediating role of supervisor-employee interaction frequency in enhancing creative outcomes, providing important insights for organizational practices and leadership development.

Role Strain in Foreign Policy: Analyzing the Carter Doctrine

This study employs role theory to examine the complexities of foreign policy decision-making, focusing on the Carter Doctrine as a case study in United States (US) hegemony and great power dynamics. By analyzing the historical precedents, geopolitical shifts, and domestic political pressures, the concept of role strain, the conditions that led to it and its implications for US foreign policy are investigated. We uncover the tensions between promoting liberal internationalism and prioritizing domestic concerns within the context of the Carter Doctrine. Our findings underscore the nuanced interplay between hegemonic aspirations and pragmatic political imperatives, shedding light on the challenges of balancing competing role expectations in foreign policy decision-making. In essence, this interplay brings together conflict, overload, ambiguity and lack of influence, rendering the existing inter-status conflict unmanageable.

Understanding Grandparent Caregiving in Korean and U.S. Culture: An Analysis Using Role Theory.

This study explored grandparent caregiving experiences in Korea and the United States. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 custodial grandparents (10 in Korea, 10 in the United States) to understand their lived experiences. Under the guidance of role theory, the caregivers' experiences were explained by themes of role consensus, role conformity, and role conflict. Despite Korean and U.S. grandparent groups performing a similar role, relative differences were observed, including Korean grandparents with increased role conformity and the U.S. grandparents with increased role conflict. The distinction highlights the importance of understanding grandparent caregiving in cultural contexts and ensuring that interventions are culturally responsive. Regardless of cultural context, the grandparent caregivers disclosed relatively positive experiences of the pandemic, testifying to their resilience. Lastly, critical role supporters were identified at various levels, demonstrating that developing support systems can be a key in empowering grandparent caregivers.

The curious case of vandals: Brazil’s environmental and regional policies in the Bolsonaro years

This paper aims to contribute to the debate on foreign policy strategies of state actors in the international system with a particular focus on policies pursued by far-right populist leaders. On the theoretical level, it builds on role theory and status-seeking strategies drawn from social identity theory (SIT) to offer an enhanced conceptual framework suitable for scrutinising more radical forms of international activism. The theoretical points are then illustrated empirically by exposing the findings from content analysis of Brazilian policymakers’ speeches and their juxtaposition with the Bolsonaro government’s policies in the areas of environmental protection and regional cooperation. The author’s main claim is that President Jair Bolsonaro and his Foreign Affairs Minister Ernesto Araújo, through their rhetoric about cooperation in South America and the Amazon and the actions undertaken by the administration in these fields, envisioned for Brazil the role of vandal. This had substantial consequences for the country’s international standing.

How Guilt Drives Emotional Exhaustion in Work-Pet Family Conflict.

Work-pet family conflict has emerged as a novel form of work-life conflict, reflecting the increasingly significant role that pets play in modern families. Guided by role theory, work-pet family conflict is anticipated to produce outcomes similar to those of traditional work-life conflict. Accordingly, we developed a conceptual model to examine how work-pet family conflict affects employees' emotional exhaustion. Drawing on role theory, we tested whether the experience of guilt serves as an affective mechanism linking work-pet family conflict to emotional exhaustion. Data were collected from 356 pet owners to empirically test the model. The results revealed a significant relationship between work-pet family conflict and emotional exhaustion, mediated by employees' experienced guilt. This study underscores the relevance of work-pet family conflict as a distinct form of work-life conflict and highlights the role of guilt as a key emotional driver that contributes to employees' emotional exhaustion in this context. Hence, organizations can delineate strategies to mitigate work-pet family conflict by offering flexible work arrangements, implementing pet-friendly policies, providing pet care benefits, and fostering a culture that supports work-life balance. These measures can potentially help employees better manage the demands of both work and pet responsibilities.