Imagining the newcomer–supervisor relationship: Future relational self in the workplace
研究提出未来关系自我概念，即员工对未来与主管关系的想象，并发现其对控制归因通过领导-成员交换质量影响新员工角色清晰和社会适应。
Abstract People develop images of themselves in the future reflecting hopes in relation to their work, namely the future work self. In this study, we introduce the concept of Future Relational Self (FRS), conceived as a relevant dimension of the future work self that illustrates the representation of the relationship that an employee aspires to build with significant stakeholders in the workplace (i.e., the supervisor). In addition, we investigate its motivational power shaping role and relational outcomes at work. Using data collected among 215 newcomers in three different waves with a one‐month time lag, we examine the indirect effect of two characteristics of the FRS––namely salience and attribution of control––on newcomers' adjustment (i.e., role clarity and social adjustment) via leader–member exchange (LMX) quality. Results reveal that only the FRS attribution of control is positively associated with LMX quality. Moreover, the results indicate that LMX quality mediates the effects of attribution of control on both newcomers' social adjustment and role clarity. Contributions for theory and implications for practice are highlighted.