Running Head: Social Comparisons, Self-identity and Development Behaviors Social Comparisons, Regulatory Focus, and Development Behaviors: The Moderating Role of Self-Identity

Abstract In this study, we examined the extent to which employees regulate themselves to participate in development activities as a response to self-identity restoration based on social comparison processes.... [ view full abstract ]

Abstract

In this study, we examined the extent to which employees regulate themselves to participate in development activities as a response to self-identity restoration based on social comparison processes. Development-related self-identity (DSI) is proposed as a moderator (1) in the relationship between social comparison and development intentions, and (2) in the relationship between regulatory focus and development behaviors. Regulatory focus is also proposed to mediate the relationship between development intentions and development behaviors. In a sample of 350 employees from a news media company in Ghana, moderated structural equation modeling and subgroup analysis results showed support for some of the hypotheses. Implications for employee development, development behavior research, and HRM are discussed.

Keywords:       Development-related self-identity, social comparisons, downward                           social comparison; upward social comparison, development                                   behaviors, regulatory focus, developmental intentions.