Determining the Mediating Role of Proactive Personality in the Effect of Social Courage at the Workplace on Prosocial Voice Behavior

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of proactive personality in the effect of social courage on prosocial voice in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – The research was carried out with 221 employees of 3 shopping malls operating in Bursa, Turkey. Research data were collected by questionnaire method and on a voluntary basis. SPSS and LISREL statistical package programs were used in the analysis of the research data. The data obtained in the study were evaluated with explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses, correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis. The research was carried out using the explanatory correlational design based on the relational screening model. In the study, social courage in the workplace, prosocial voice and proactive personality scales were examined in one dimension. Findings – In the study, it was determined that social courage in the workplace affected the proactive personality traits of the employees (β= ,343 p<0.001) and the levels of prosocial vocalization behavior (β= ,399 p<0.001) positively and significantly. In addition, it was determined that proactive personality trait positively and significantly affected the prosocial vocalization behaviors of the employees (β= ,468 p<0.001). At the same time, it was observed that social courage in the workplace had a partial mediating role at the level of proactive personality (β= ,256 p<0.001) in the effect of prosocial vocalizing behavior. Discussion – In the study, it was emphasized that the employee can engage in risky, courageous behaviors that may damage his social image in his working life. It is expected that employees with social courage in the workplace will act decisively with the help of their proactive personality traits, take action against difficulties and tend to create pro-social awareness.