Collectivism in action: Its moderating effects on the relationship between organizational commitment and employee performance in China

Abstract

This study explores the role of collectivism as a moderator of the relationship between organizational commitment (OC) and employee performance in a Chinese setting. The relationships between OC and both in-role and extrarole performance were found to be weaker for collectivists. These weaker relationships were thought to be because of feelings of obligation to the organization that may have been aroused in collectivists who considered the organization as an in-group. Limitations of the study, directions for future research, and implications of the findings are discussed.