Giving and taking social support at work: An experience sampling study among coworker dyads

Abstract

Previous research has shown that both receiving support and providing support enhance employee well-being and work engagement. In the current study, we integrate social exchange theory (SET) and conservation of resources (COR) theory to investigate under which conditions receiving and providing daily support are most likely to occur. Specifically, we test the hypotheses that receiving requested support and reciprocating received support are more likely when the support is requested or received from a co-worker who perceives the quality of the exchange relationship as high (vs. low), and less likely when the support is requested or received from a co-worker high (vs. low) on workaholism. To test these hypotheses, we collected data among 45 employees and their co-workers during two moments per day for five consecutive working days (N = 90 participants; N = 614 work episodes). Multilevel analyses supported all hypotheses, except for the moderating effect of partner's workaholism on the link between receiving and providing support. These findings imply that receiving and providing support do not occur automatically but are dependent on characteristics of the exchange relationship and the exchange partner. We discuss the implications for SET and COR theories, as well as practical implications.