A Job Demands-Resources Approach to Proactive Work Behavior in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of a Developing Country with the Moderating Role of Perceived Organizational Support

Abstract

This research aims to examine the effects of job demand and job resources on job strain, work engagement, and proactive behavior in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan, with POS as a moderating variable. Data were collected from 441 faculty members working at HEIs in Pakistan. Structural equation modelling was performed to test the proposed model. Results revealed that job demands have a significant positive effect on job strain, but a negative influence on proactive behavior and work engagement. Moreover, job resources have a significant positive effect on proactive behavior and work engagement, but a negative influence on job strain. Similarly, job strain negatively influences proactive behavior, while work engagement positively influences it. Furthermore, job strain partially mediated the relationship between job demands and job resources with proactive behavior. Likewise, work engagement partially mediated the relationship between job demands, job resources, and proactive behavior. Finally, POS positively moderates the relationship between work engagement and proactive behavior, but negatively moderates the relationship between job strain and proactive behavior. POS does not moderate the association between job resources, job demands, and proactive behavior. This study has several implications; organizations should take precautionary measures in the context of job demand and strain to enhance proactive behavior. Management should focus on POS and work engagement to foster proactive employee behavior. POS and work engagement should act as catalysts in HEIs in Pakistan to enhance proactive behavior.