University of Science and Technology Beijing, China
Regulatory mode theory is pivotal in understanding employees’ behavioral patterns and decision-making processes, yet its impact on performance and well-being remains unclear. Drawing on data from 54 independent samples across 45 studies (N=15, 855), this meta-analysis explores the relationships between regulatory modes and various aspects of performance and well-being. The results indicated that locomotion mode positively associate with eudaimonic well-being, organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), task performance and hedonic well-being, and negatively associated with counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and negative well-being, with decreasing strength in this order. In contrast, assessment mode was positively related to negative well-being. CWB and OCB, while negatively related to eudaimonic well-being, with no significant associations links to task performance or hedonic well-being. Furthermore, locomotion mode exhibited greater explanatory power for performance, hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, while assessment mode was more predictive of negative well-being. Additional, in cultures with stronger uncertainty avoidance, locomotion mode had weaker links with well-being, while assessment mode was less strongly related to eudaimonic well-being. These findings advance our understanding of regulatory mode theory, and offer practical insights for managers seeking to optimize employee outcomes.
