How needs for belongingness and justice influence social identity and performances: Evidence from the hospitality industry

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the relationship between employees’ needs for belongingness and social identity on the one hand, and their performances related to group facilitation, and innovation on the other. Drawn on the theory of social identity, this study purposes a moderation-mediation model showing the relationship. Applying methods of hierarchical modelling (HLM) and structural equation modelling (SEM), we obtain interesting results highlighting the motivational implications of social identity on work-related performance/behaviours as well as several boundary conditions. The results also underscore the salience of employees’ perceived needs for belongingness and justice as preconditions for the development of their social identity in the hospitality industry.