Back to Top

Lending a Helping Hand at Work: A Multilevel Investigation of Prosocial Motivation, Inclusive Climate and Inclusive Behavior

Article
Author(s): Philippe T. J. H. Nelissen, Ute R. Hülsheger, Gemma M. C. van Ruitenbeek, Fred R. H. Zijlstra
Publication date: Friday, 11 November, 2016
Summary:

Purpose: People with disabilities often encounter difficulties at the workplace such as exclusion or unfair treatment. Researchers have therefore pointed to the need to focus on behavior that fosters inclusion as well as variables that are antecedents of such 'inclusive behavior'. Therefore the purpose of this study was to research the relationship between prosocial motivation, team inclusive climate and employee inclusive behavior.

Method: A survey was conducted among a sample of 282 paired employees and colleagues, which were nested in 84 teams. Employees self-rated prosocial motivation and team inclusive climate, their inclusive behavior was assessed by colleagues. Hypotheses were tested using multilevel random coefficient modeling.

Results: Employees who are prosocially motivated will display more inclusive behavior towards people with disabilities, and this relationship is moderated by team inclusive climate in such a way that the relationship is stronger when the inclusive climate is high.

Conclusion: This study shows that inclusive organizations, which value a diverse workforce, need to be aware of not only individual employee characteristics, but also team level climate to ensure the smooth integrations of people with disabilities into regular work teams.

Source: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
Keyword(s): Arbeidsbeperkingen , Duurzame inzetbaarheid , Fysieke beperkingen , Inclusieve arbeidsorganisatie , Participatie , Sociale vaardigheden , Werknemers