Advocacy versus depart: How perceived organizational support influences employee well-being and shapes their intentions

Abstract This study investigates the influence of perceived organizational support (POS) on employees’ intentions to recommend their employer or leave the organization. Based on social exchange theory, it explores how POS affects employee well-being and shapes behaviors such as loyalty and advocacy. An online survey gathered data from 604 French employees across various sectors, analyzing variables like POS, positive and negative well-being, and intentions to leave or recommend the employer. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships among these variables and to test the mediating role of well-being. Results show that POS positively influences employee well-being. High POS is associated with improved positive well-being, which decreases the intention to leave and increases the intention to recommend. Similarly, reduced negative well-being linked to high POS lowers the desire to leave and lessens negative effects on recommendation intentions. The study confirms the mediating role of well-being between POS and employee intentions. The study provides new insights into the impact of POS on employee intentions by highlighting the pathways of positive and negative well-being. For human resource practices, strengthening POS is essential to boost employee retention and encourage positive behaviors, thereby enhancing the organization’s reputation and attractiveness.