Service with a sense of belonging: navigating work–family conflict and emotional irritation in the service efforts of health professionals

Purpose The service effort behavior (SEB) of health professionals may be impeded by many factors. This study aims to draw upon the conservation of resources and stressor–strain–outcome theories to test a moderated mediation model that explores how work–family conflict (WFC) influences SEB. The mediating effect of emotional irritation (EI) and the moderating effect of organizational identification (OI) was also tested. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected over two waves from 524 health professionals working across India and was tested using SPSS PROCESS macros and Amos 24. Findings The results revealed that WFC has a significantly negative relationship with SEB, and EI mediates the relationship between the two variables. The mediation process was further moderated by OI. Originality/value There is an absolute scarcity of evidence that has explored the association of WFC and SEB with the mediating role of EI. Along with offering a nuanced understanding of these relationships, this study also presents some interesting insights to health-care administrators.