Taking charge under job stressors: Mediating effect of control appraisals and moderating effect of proactive resource acquisition tactics

• Lei Ren

  Soochow University , Soochow University

• Xiaobin Zhang

  Soochow University , Soochow University

• Peihu Chen

  Soochow University , Soochow University

• Ke Song

  Soochow University , Soochow University

We applied social cognitive theory and the job demands–resources model to examine the relationship between challenge and hindrance stressor types and taking charge. The sample comprised 242 Master of Business Administration students at a university located in eastern China. The regression results reveal that challenge stressors positively predicted taking charge, and that the direct effect of hindrance stressors on taking charge was nonsignificant. Control appraisals positively mediated the relationship between challenge stressors and taking charge, and negatively mediated the relationship between hindrance stressors and taking charge. The positive relationship between challenge stressors and control appraisals was stronger when resource acquisition tactics were highly proactive rather than when they were less proactive. Proactive resource acquisition tactics also moderated the indirect effect of challenge stressors on taking charge through control appraisals. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

1. Lei Ren, Soochow University, Soochow University
   Dongwu Business School
2. Xiaobin Zhang, Soochow University, Soochow University
   Dongwu Business School
3. Peihu Chen, Soochow University, Soochow University
   Dongwu Business School
4. Ke Song, Soochow University, Soochow University
   Dongwu Business School

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