When Helping Succeeds and Fails: A Dual-Path Model of Proactive Helping Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the consequences of proactive helping behavior based on a dual-path model of reactions to helping. We predicted that proactive helping behavior leads to both positive and negative affect, and in turn, engenders various work-related outcomes, including well-being and extra-role behaviors. Additionally, it was expected that perceived recipients' reactions (i.e., gratitude and spurning) to helping would moderate the relationship between proactive helping behavior and affective states. Using a cross-lagged design, data collected from four time points (N = 180) revealed that proactive helping behavior was associated with positive and negative affect. These ambivalent effects depended on the recipient's reactions. When people received more gratitude for helping, the positive effect of proactive helping on well-being at work and extra-role behaviors via positive affect was strengthened. In contrast, when helping efforts were spurned, the negative effect on the outcomes via negative affect was strengthened. Based on these findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.