Understanding the effects of performance pressure on fluctuations in pro-environmental behavior: a threat rigidity perspective

Abstract

Research on pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in the workplace is increasing. However, the prevailing research is typically based on the assumption that PEB are relatively stable, suggesting that employees consistently engage in PEB over time. In contrast to viewing employees as being consistently green or not, we focus on investigating within-person fluctuations in PEB over short periods. Given that PEB can be influenced by dynamic contextual factors such as daily work experiences, we investigate a key work-related experience—performance pressure—and its underlying mechanisms. Drawing on threat rigidity theory, we propose a dual pathway model in which daily performance pressure exerts parallel negative effects on PEB through two distinct cognitive information processing tendencies. Using an experience sampling method involving 114 employees across 10 consecutive workdays, we reveal that daily performance pressure diminishes PEB by fostering an increase in self-focused information processing and a reduction in other-focused information processing. Additionally, this negative indirect effect is more pronounced among employees with high psychological entitlement. We also discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.