Proactive personality and behavior: Opportunities for refining theory and creating a more unified understanding

Abstract

Proactive personality and behavior are frequently studied constructs in the organizational behavior and industrial-organizational psychology literatures. While much is known regarding main effects, mediators, and moderators, there are opportunities for further empirical work to develop and advance theory in these areas. In this editorial, we provide a brief overview of the theoretical foundations of both literatures and offer guidance for theory refinement consistent with the mission of the Journal of Management Scientific Reports. Topics covered are (1) opportunities for empirical research that tests, extends, or refines existing theory on proactivity; (2) empirical research aimed at enhancing the precision of measurement and rigor in proactivity research; and (3) using meta-analysis to improve theoretical understanding of proactivity.