Unpacking the combined effects of job scope and supervisor support on in-role performance
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how the relationship between job scope and in-role performance is contingent upon the level of social support (i.e. supervisor support) received in the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 640 questionnaires were distributed to employees of Pakistani companies, yielding 328 useable responses for analysis. Regression analysis was used to test for both hypotheses.
Findings
The results support the role of supervisor support as a moderator in the relationship between in-role performance, a dimension of job performance and job scope. The findings show that a higher job scope would facilitate higher job performance from employees who receive high levels of supervisor support.
Practical implications
The results provide useful insights for managers and consultants, especially HR professionals involved in job design and redesign. Organizations that encourage high levels of social support can help employees improve their job performance as they foster an environment where employees can get direct assistance and advice from their supervisors.
Originality/value
This paper makes three key contributions to the literature on job design. First, this inquiry shows that a strong link does exist between job scope and job performance; previous studies have failed to find a strong relationship. Second, it highlights how social context, especially in highly challenging work settings, can shape employees’ proficiencies and behaviors. Third, this paper offers a novel perspective in job design research by incorporating a contextual moderator (i.e. supervisor support).
Keywords
Citation
Mushtaq, R., Raja, U. and Khan, M.B. (2017), "Unpacking the combined effects of job scope and supervisor support on in-role performance", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 36 No. 9, pp. 1170-1179. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-09-2016-0185
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited