RSM Mianzi

This study develops a model that combines the proactive Mianzi consciousness and the defensive Mianzi consciousness into different Mianzi management strategies and tests the relationship between high Mianzi consciousness congruence and unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). Specifically, employing polynomial regression and response surface analysis method, we propose that high levels of Mianzi consciousness congruence (i.e., all-around type in Mianzi management strategies) positively relate to UPB, and test the mediation effect of external work locus of control (WLOC) and the moderation effect of relational psychological contract (relational contract). Sample data collected at two time points supports all the hypotheses. This research advances a novel, synergistic perspective on the role of social Mianzi and contributes to the localized UPB research, thus helping to find a path to prevent UPB from occurring in the Chinese sociocultural context.