Abstract

LI, Fei; LIANG, Xiaoyong  and  LIU, Quanle. Applying attachment theory to explain boundary-spanning behavior: the role of organizational support climate. Rev. psicol. trab. organ. [online]. 2022, vol.38, n.3, pp.213-222.  Epub Mar 27, 2023. ISSN 2174-0534.  https://dx.doi.org/10.5093/jwop2022a13.

Boundary spanning has been proven to have positive implications for innovation performance; yet, some individuals are less boundary-spanning than others. Drawing on the attachment theory and organizational support theory, this study develops a multi-level theoretical model to investigate how individuals' attachment insecurity influences boundary-spanning behavior through self-efficacy and the moderating role of organizational support climate. To validate the proposed model, we adopted a survey research, and collected data from NPD project teams in China. The results revealed that both insecure attachment styles were associated with lower levels of individual boundary-spanning behavior, and self-efficacy partially mediated these relationships. Moreover, organizational support climate played a moderating role in the relationship between attachment anxiety and boundary-spanning behavior. With a high level of support climate, the negative impact of attachment anxiety on boundary-spanning behavior was weakened. This elucidates the role of individual affective motivation and team shared perceptions in shaping individual externally focused behavior.

Keywords : Boundary spanning; Attachment anxiety; Attachment avoidance; Self-efficacy; Organizational support climate.

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