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Speaking for organization or self? Investigating the effects of perceived overqualification on pro-organizational and self-interested voice

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  • Ma, Chao
  • Shang, Sudong
  • Zhao, Honglei
  • Zhong, Jie
  • Chan, Xi Wen

Abstract

Guided by uncertainty management theory, we investigate the effects of POQ on both pro-organizational voice behavior and self-interested voice behavior through the mediating role of felt uncertainty. In addition, we propose that ethical leadership serves as a key moderator mitigating the negative relationship between POQ and felt uncertainly. We tested our proposed model across two multi-wave and multi-source field studies. Specifically, with 411 subordinate–supervisor matched observations in Study 1, we found that POQ predicted higher levels of felt uncertainty, which in turn, was negatively related to pro-organizational voice behavior and positively related to self-interested voice behavior. In Study 2, with 188 subordinate–supervisor matched observations, we replicated the mediating effects of Study 1 and tested the full moderated mediation model in Study2. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of felt uncertainty as a key underlying mechanism influencing overqualified employees’ voice choices. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ma, Chao & Shang, Sudong & Zhao, Honglei & Zhong, Jie & Chan, Xi Wen, 2023. "Speaking for organization or self? Investigating the effects of perceived overqualification on pro-organizational and self-interested voice," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:168:y:2023:i:c:s014829632300574x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114215
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Feng, Taiwen & Wang, Dan & Lawton, Alan & Luo, Ben Nanfeng, 2019. "Customer orientation and firm performance: The joint moderating effects of ethical leadership and competitive intensity," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 111-121.
    2. Ma, Chao & Lin, Xiaoshuang & Chen, (George) Zhen Xiong & Wei, Wu, 2020. "Linking perceived overqualification with task performance and proactivity? An examination from self-concept-based perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 199-209.
    3. Ovidiu Iliuta Dobre, 2013. "Employee motivation and organizational performance," Review of Applied Socio-Economic Research, Pro Global Science Association, vol. 5(1), pages 53-60, June.
    4. Lin Lu & Kwok Leung & Pamela Tremain Koch, 2006. "Managerial Knowledge Sharing: The Role of Individual, Interpersonal, and Organizational Factors," Management and Organization Review, International Association of Chinese Management Research, vol. 2(1), pages 15-41, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Keyu & Zhou, Qiwei, 2025. "Why and when perceived overqualification drives positive relational outcomes: An optimal distinctiveness perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    2. Liu, Pei & Mu, Yuting & Li, Xin, 2025. "How does perceived overqualification beget workplace incivility? A moderated mediation model based on Kahn’s framework," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    3. Mudaser Javaid & Ayham Jaaron & R. L. Fernando Garcia & Shahbaz Khan, 2026. "Exploring the impact of disruptive technologies on internal and external green supply chain management: the roles of absorptive capacity and ethical leadership in Chinese manufacturing," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 1-21, March.
    4. Rice, Darryl B. & Massey, MaQueba & Maxie, Jamila S. & Welter, Chris & Day, Steven W., 2025. "My boss leads the right way: Understanding how and when the institutionalization of ethics impacts supervisors’ leadership styles," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    5. Tengfei Guo & Chen Lan & Yi Jiang & Maoyong Huang & Yakun Ni & Yanzhen Xu, 2024. "Perceived overqualification and innovative work behavior: a moderated mediation model," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.

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