Reciprocity Between Organizational Dehumanization and Taking Charge at Work: The Role of Thriving
Abstract
This study explores the reciprocal relationship between organizational dehumanization and employees taking charge at work. Specifically, we test the negative impact of organizational dehumanization on taking charge at work and how this reduced taking charge can lead to further organizational dehumanization. Additionally, the study explores the attenuating role of thriving as a mitigation between organizational dehumanization and employees’ taking charge at work. Two studies tested the hypothesized relationships. Findings of the experimental study (Study 1) conducted on university students confirmed that organizational dehumanization has a significant impact on taking charge at work. A longitudinal study (Study 2) was conducted on full-time employees and their supervisors at three time points (T1, T2, and T3). Data collected from 183 dyads confirmed that organizational dehumanization at T1 and T2 was significantly related to taking charge at work during T2 and T3. Furthermore, the reverse negative links from taking charge at work (T1 and T2) to organizational dehumanization (T2, T3) were also significant. By conducting moderation analysis, we confirmed the significant buffering role of thriving on the relationships between organizational dehumanization and taking charge at work at Time 1 and Time 2. We discuss the practical implications of our study results.