No good deed is too small: field experimental studies of different self-identities and workplace saving behavior

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose that the extent to which activating self-identity increases resource-saving behavior varies across these three levels of self-identities. In particular, the authors hypothesize that activating relational or collective self-identity increases saving behavior more than activating individual self-identity does. Moreover, activating relational self-identity has a stronger impact on workplace saving behavior than activating collective self-identity does. In addition, the authors suggest that prosocial motive mediates the relationship between the three levels of self-identity and saving behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Workplace saving behavior such as office supply savings could help save organizational resources and build more environmentally conscious organizations. Drawing from self-identity theory, the authors examine the influences of three types of self-identities (i.e. individual, relational and collective self-identities) on workplace resource-saving behaviors.

Findings

The results obtained from a field experiment conducted in a Chinese company and an online vignette study generally support the proposed hypotheses. The authors also discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature on saving behavior in organizations by studying an individual-level predictor from the perspective of self-identity and the research on self-identity and saving behavior by testing the mediating role played by prosocial motive. Based on the findings, the authors also propose some human resource policies to increase workplace saving behavior.

Citation

Zhou, J., Chi, W. and Zhu, W. (2022), "No good deed is too small: field experimental studies of different self-identities and workplace saving behavior", Chinese Management Studies, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 653-672. https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-12-2020-0529