Perceived organizational support's role in stressor-strain relationships

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine when perceived organizational support (POS) may be more likely to play a mediator versus moderator role in stressor and strain relationships by considering POS relative to challenge and hindrance stressors, cognitive/emotional and physical strains. Design/methodology/approach - This cross-sectional survey research was conducted in two samples (n = 720, 829) of employees working for a large retail organization in the USA. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings - As hypothesized, results indicate POS mediates relationships between hindrance stressors and cognitive/emotional strains, but does not mediate relationships between challenge stressors and physical strains. POS does not moderate any of the relationships examined. Originality/value - This paper is one of few studies to examine challenge and hindrance stressors and to examine POS relative to physical strains.