Publication Type
PhD Dissertation
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
4-2024
Abstract
In modern collaborative work environments, interactions with colleagues span a spectrum from close relationships to those perceived as socially distant. While close relationships are traditionally emphasized for their benefits on well-being, distant ties often go overlooked despite their prevalence and ease of maintenance. Building on construal-level theory, I first propose a theory of relational construing, emphasizing how the perceived psychological distance with colleagues influences mental representations and shifts in these representations, termed mindful construing. Leveraging the full spectrum of workplace relationships, from close to distant, can enhance well-being by alleviating the burdens of maintaining solely close connections. I then use empirical studies to test the influence of social distance on construal level and subsequent effects on eudaimonic and hedonic well-being and a deep and broad sense of belonging. Using multilevel analysis in two datasets collected using experience sampling and daily reconstruction methods, respectively, I find some support for my hypotheses.
Keywords
construal level theory, mindfulness, relational construing, relational portfolio, social distance, well-being, work interactions, workplace relationships
Degree Awarded
PhD in Business (OBHR)
Discipline
Organizational Behavior and Theory | Organization Development
Supervisor(s)
REB, Jochen Matthias
First Page
1
Last Page
131
Publisher
Singapore Management University
City or Country
Singapore
Citation
NILOTPAL, Jha.
Social distance in workplace relationships and its impact on employee well-being. (2024). 1-131.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/etd_coll/579
Copyright Owner and License
Author
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.