How and when does perceived supervisor support for strengths use influence employee strengths use? The roles of positive affect and self-efficacy

Abstract

The present study sought to investigate how positive affect would mediate the relationship between employee perceived supervisor support for strengths use (PSSSU) and actual employee strengths use as well as the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship. We gathered data from 218 employees (53.7% = male; mean age = 34.51 years, SD = 7.45 years) working in various organisations and at three points in time, separated by a four-week interval. Results of a moderated-mediation path analysis indicated positive affect to partially mediate the positive association between PSSSU and employee strengths use. In addition, self-efficacy positively moderated the direct effect of PSSSU on positive affect. Self-efficacy also positively moderated the indirect effect of PSSSU on strengths use via positive affect. Self-efficacy influences employee perceptions of perceived supervisor support for strength use and their actual use of work strengths.