A DAILY INVESTIGATION OF THE ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF STATE AUTHENTICITY AT WORK

Abstract

Authenticity is commonly thought to be beneficial for individuals. However, research on this phenomenon, especially in the workplace, is still incomplete. Much of the extant literature has regarded authenticity as a trait rather than a dynamic state that fluctuates across time. Moreover, while some studies have identified a few outcomes of employee authenticity (e.g., job satisfaction), research has yet to investigate its antecedents and its effects on a broader domain of outcomes with a dynamic perspective. In this dissertation, I integrate self-determination theory with state authenticity as fit to environment theory to explicate how employees’ emotional labor strategies and work role identity interact to shape state authenticity. More importantly, I examine how employees’ state authenticity can influence their task performance, creativity, proactive work behaviors, and voluntary work behaviors on a daily level. My dissertation aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of state authenticity in the workplace.