Being authentic by sharing team vision: mediating role of strengths use within a team

Abstract

Purpose

Authenticity, or the extent to which individuals act in accordance with their values, beliefs and characteristics, is recognized as a key component of a fulfilled life. However, little is known about its antecedents in an organizational context. Drawing on goal-setting theory and the broaden-and-build theory, the current study examined the role of team leaders' perceived shared vision in promoting their work authenticity, mediated through strengths use support (SUS) for members as well as leaders' strengths use.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave questionnaire survey was conducted to test the hypotheses using a sample of 325 middle managers of a manufacturing firm.

Findings

The results of structural equation modeling show that perceived shared vision promoted work authenticity, mediated through SUS and strengths use.

Originality/value

This study is the first to identify that shared goals can trigger authenticity at work by directing the leader to use their strengths, alongside their team members.

Citation

Matsuo, M. (2023), "Being authentic by sharing team vision: mediating role of strengths use within a team", Personnel Review, Vol. 52 No. 5, pp. 1548-1562. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-06-2021-0420