The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Effect of Job Insecurity Perceptions on Social Loafing Behavior

This study aims to examine the relationship between job insecurity perception, which has become more evident in today’s complex and uncertain business world, and social loafing behavior, focusing specifically on the mediating role of self-esteem. As no previous study in the literature has examined self-esteem as a mediating variable between job insecurity perception and social loafing behavior, the significance of this study becomes evident, marking its originality. The study utilized survey data collected from 248 white-collar employees working in Istanbul. The study’s results reveal that job insecurity perception positively influences social loafing behavior. Additionally, self-esteem negatively impacts social loafing behavior and partially mediates the relationship between job insecurity perception and social loafing. The study also reveals whether the variables differ significantly according to demographic data, and the results are discussed. Based on these findings, it is recommended that businesses foster a work environment that emphasizes job security, reduces workplace stress, seeks employee input, and prioritizes candidates with high self-esteem during recruitment.