Compelled to Help: Effects of Direct and Indirect Exchange on Perceived Obligation in Professional Networks

• Main Authors: CHUA, Roy Y. J., Sullivan, Bilian Ni, Morris, Michael W.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2009
• Subjects: business networks; employee relations; motivation to help; perceived obligation; helping behavior; reciprocity; Organizational Behavior and Theory
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/4099; https://doi.org/10.5465/AMBPP.2009.44251840
• Institution: Singapore Management University

The article discusses the level of perceived responsibility among managers and non-management personnel to help other employees in their business networks. The hypothesis, which is tested with two empirical studies, is that managers are motivated to help by direct and indirect or generalized social exchange. The socio-emotional factors in the sense of obligation, especially with those who provide valued resources, are mentioned. The study suggests that reciprocity impacts perceived obligation. The research methods include random effects regression models.