The impact of leader and team PsyCap on employees’ individual PsyCap: An experimental analysis of transmission effects in virtual and non-virtual settings

Abstract

As organizations increasingly adopt virtual and hybrid work models, understanding how psychological resources are developed in such settings is critical for fostering positive work cultures. This study investigates the transmission of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) in the workplace, with a particular focus on virtual interactions. Specifically, we examine how PsyCap is conveyed from leaders and team members to individuals, considering the potential moderating influence of virtual settings. Using a combination of mixed-method pilot studies and a video-vignette-based experimental main study, we manipulated leader PsyCap, team member PsyCap, and interaction settings (face-to-face/virtual, camera turned on/virtual, camera turned off). Our findings reveal that both leaders and team members positively influence individual PsyCap, and that this transmission is unaffected by the interaction setting. These results highlight the consistent impact of psychological resources across diverse work environments, challenging assumptions about the limitations of virtual communication for conveying psychological resources. The study provides practical insights for teams and leaders on how to foster and enhance PsyCap within organizations, regardless of whether interactions occur in physical or virtual spaces.