Core self-evaluation, perceived organizational support for strengths use and job performance: Testing a mediation model

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between core self-evaluation (CSE) and innovative behavior and the mediating role of perceived organizational support for strengths use (POS for strengths use) in the associations of CSE with job performance, particularly, task performance and employee innovative behavior. A three-wave survey research design was applied to collect data from 157 full-time employees working in various organizations in China. Structural equation modelling was employed to examine our predictions. Results demonstrated that CSE has a positive effect on innovative behavior. More importantly, POS for strengths use significantly and partially mediated the associations of CSE with task performance and innovative behavior. This study contributes to unlocking the “black box” in the relationships between CSE and task performance and innovative behavior by investigating the mediating role of POS for strengths use in these relationships.