Relationship between managerial support and employee outcomes: The mediating role of employees’ self-efficacy

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the role of managerial support in enhancing employees’ affective organizational commitment and perceived internal employability, with a particular focus on the mediating effect of employees’ self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 255 employees of public statistical organizations in Indonesia using purposive sampling. The measurement model and structural model were analyzed using SmartPLS.

Findings: The results show three significant findings: First, managerial support is an essential enhancer of employees’ self-efficacy, affective organizational commitment, and perceived internal employability. Second, self-efficacy is an essential predictor of affective organizational commitment and perceived internal employability. Finally, self-efficacy is an effective mediating variable in the relationship between managerial support, affective organizational commitment, and perceived internal employability outcomes.

Research limitations/implications: The cross-sectional design restricts causal interpretation, and the findings are limited to a specific government sector, reducing generalizability. Future studies should use longitudinal methods, consider other sectors, and apply probability sampling to enhance validity and applicability.

Practical implications: This study provides essential recommendations that help practitioners understand various perspectives on self-efficacy and plan relationship development programs to maintain and support their organization’s vision and missions.

Social implications: Enhancing employees' self-efficacy is critical to helping them perform specific and general tasks effectively, which can inspire them to pursue and achieve sustainable organizational goals.

Originality/value: This study uniquely positions self-efficacy as a psychological bridge between managerial support and key employee outcomes, contributing new insights to leadership and human resource development literature, especially in public sector settings in developing economies.