Multifaceted pathways from perceived overqualification to proactive work behavior in high-tech enterprises: Mediating role of competitive status motivation and moderating effect of role breadth self-efficacy

Abstract

This study examines the pathways through which  perceived  employee   overqualification (PEO) influences  proactive  work  behavior of  employees (PBE) in high-tech enterprises focusing on the mediating role of  competitive  status  motivation (CSM) and the moderating effect of  role  breadth  self- efficacy (RBSE). Data were collected from 470 research and development employees in the Shenzhen High-Tech Industrial Park  using structural equation modeling and moderated mediation analysis. The results indicate that PEO positively affects PBE directly and indirectly through Prestige-Driven Competitive Status Motivation (PCSM) and Dominance-Driven Competitive Status Motivation (DCSM). The moderating effect of PCSM is stronger than that of DCSM with RBSE enhancing the positive influence of prestige-driven motivation on proactive behavior. This study integrates psychological and individual motivational theories to understand better how PCSM and DCSM influence and shape employee proactive behaviors. The practical implications suggest that high-tech enterprises should focus on recognizing and nurturing overqualified employees. Organizations can enhance proactive behaviors, ultimately improving overall organizational performance by fostering intrinsic prestige-driven motivation and promoting RBSE.