A regulatory focus theory perspective on the dynamics between action and power
Publication Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
4-2024
Abstract
Building on the strong consensus that the experience of power motivates individuals to take action, prior research postulates a positively reinforcing cycle wherein taking action leads to power, which in turn leads to subsequent actions. Applying regulatory focus theory, we differentiate between promotion-oriented and prevention-oriented actions to develop a within-person theory of when and why promotion-oriented and prevention-oriented actions should relate to power, and vice-versa. Across two studies, we find that when employees engaged in promotive voice behaviors, they were more likely to experience a sense of power; this effect was amplified for employees with trait promotion focus. When employees engaged in prohibitive voice behaviors, employees with trait prevention focus were less likely to experience a sense of power. The experience of power subsequently motivated employees to engage in promotive voice behaviors, but not prohibitive voice behaviors. By elucidating the differences between promotion and prevention pathways of action and power, our research challenges the notion that action and power positively reinforce each other. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Keywords
Voice behaviors, Power, Regulatory focus theory, Promotion-oriented actions
Discipline
Organizational Behavior and Theory | Organization Development
Research Areas
Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources
Publication
Journal of Applied Psychology
ISSN
0021-9010
Identifier
10.1037/apl0001198
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Citation
FATIMAH, Shereen; LEE, Hun Whee; FERRIS, Lance D..; and YOUNG, Henry R..
A regulatory focus theory perspective on the dynamics between action and power. (2024). Journal of Applied Psychology.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/7495
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001198