Employee Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions: A Test of the Main and Moderating Effects of Individualism-Collectivism Orientations

In this study, we examine whether individualism/collectivism (I/C) orientations predict employee attitudes and behavioral intentions, and also consider whether I/C orientation moderates the relationship between equity perceptions and these variables. Four hundred and two employees from 11 high technology and financial services companies participated in this study. Results indicated that the competitiveness dimension of I/C moderated the relationships between equity perceptions and effort, and equity perceptions and obligations towards teamwork. Similarly, the solitary work preference dimension of I/C moderated the relationships between equity perceptions and career intent, and equity perceptions and obligations towards teamwork. The interactions between equity perceptions and I/C dimensions produced interesting effects. The results suggest that varying levels of equity perceptions are associated with different effects on employee attitudes and behavioral intentions depending on the level of employee individualism or collectivism orientations. Also, the solitary work preference dimension of I/C was positively related to organizational commitment contrary to the hypothesized direction. Implications for research and practice are discussed.