When (excessive) supervisory control leads improved performance and well-being: role of relational energy and openness to experience among remote workers

Purpose This study investigates how relational energy (RE) mediates the impact of excessive supervisory control (ESC) on the subjective well-being (SWB) and performance of remote workers. It also examines the moderating role of openness to experience (OTE) in the relationships among RE, SWB and performance. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach employing a sequential explanatory design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected using a self-reported survey from 314 Indian remote workers, followed by 27 semi-structured interviews to identify underlying factors that explain the quantitative results. Findings The findings show that RE mediates the positive influence of ESC on SWB and performance, while OTE moderates the impact of RE–SWB and RE–performance relationships. Qualitative insights reveal that shared responsibility, performance control and project execution necessitate ESC, while social support and effective communication foster RE among supervisors and employees in remote working (RW). Originality/value The findings corroborate the non-uniform (and positive) effects of ESC on performance and SWB. The underlying mechanism is explained through the mediating role of RE and the moderating role of OTE.