Self-Reliance in the Workplace: The Curvilinear Effect of Workplace Ostracism on Subjective Career Success

Abstract

Workplace ostracism, which is defined as the extent to which an individual perceives that he or she is ignored or excluded by others, has become a pervasive phenomenon. Most scholars found that workplace ostracism has a negative linear effect on the employees’ work outcomes. However, based on the transactional theory of stress and coping, individuals could evaluate pressure and take action to solve the problems. Thus, they could positively cope with workplace ostracism when they are in trouble. This study investigates the curvilinear relationship between workplace ostracism, psychological empowerment, and the employees’ career success using a multi-wave design (257 respondents from three-time points). We found the curvilinear effect of workplace ostracism on subjective career success via psychological empowerment. The current investigation supports the theorized links and offers notable implications for personnel assessment and career development.