A multilevel model of supervisor's bottom-line mentality and employees' work connectivity behavior after hours

Purpose Drawing on social information processing theory, this study aims to establish and test a moderated mediation model underlying the process of employee work connectivity behavior after hours (WCBAH) by investigating the mediating role of employee performance-prove goal orientation (PPGO) and the moderating role of competitive climate. Design/methodology/approach We collected three-wave data from 439 employees from 97 teams across 62 service companies in China. The cross-level moderated mediation model was tested through multilevel path analysis. Findings The results reveal that supervisor bottom-line mentality (SBLM) fosters employee PPGO, which in turn increases WCBAH. Furthermore, the competitive climate amplifies the indirect effects of SBLM on WCBAH via employee PPGO, such that the indirect effect is stronger when the competitive climate is higher rather than lower. Practical implications Our study cautions leaders against prioritizing bottom-line outcomes at the expense of employee after-hours time. In addition, our conclusions underscore the need for organizational interventions to mitigate the amplifying effect of competitive climate and to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Originality/value The study identifies employee PPGO as a key mediator that links SBLM to WCBAH and demonstrates the role of competitive climate in reinforcing this indirect pathway.