Turning good news into helpful actions: How and when workplace interpersonal capitalization boosts self-efficacy and OCBI at work

Background Much of the research on workplace interpersonal capitalization has focused on the adverse effects experienced by responders, leaving the potential benefits for those who disclose largely unexplored. Objective To address this gap, we draw on conservation of resources theory to examine how engaging in workplace interpersonal capitalization influences disclosers’ OCBI through the mediating role of self-efficacy. Methods This study conducted a three-wave, multi-source survey to examine the theoretical model and test hypotheses using response surface methodology with Mplus 7.4. Data were collected in three stages from a sample of 297 full-time employees. We employed path analysis to evaluate and test the hypotheses. Results The results show that self-efficacy mediates the relationship between workplace interpersonal capitalization and OCBI among disclosers. Furthermore, when disclosers perceive their coworkers as more responsive, they report higher levels of self-efficacy. Conclusions By emphasizing the role of workplace interpersonal capitalization in enhancing resource gains for disclosers, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of its positive impacts. The discussion also explores the broader implications and limitations.