Does perceived overqualification cultivate angels or demons? Examining its interpersonal outcomes through pride from an evolutionary psychology perspective

Abstract

The current study examines both the positive and negative interpersonal consequences of perceived overqualification (POQ). Building on evolutionary psychology theory and prior research, we clarify the underlying mechanism of pride through which POQ predicts interpersonal behaviors. Specifically, we propose that POQ is positively associated with both authentic pride, leading to increased interpersonal citizenship behaviors, and hubristic pride, leading to increased interpersonal deviant behaviors. Further, we suggest that a willingness to establish positive relationships plays a crucial role in moderating the relationship between pride and interpersonal behaviors. We tested our predictions in two studies using time-lagged and multisource data. The findings of Study 1, which was based on a sample of 206 university students, supported the basic mediation model for the effects of POQ on interpersonal citizenship and deviant behaviors through authentic and hubristic pride, respectively. The findings of Study 2, which involved the analysis of survey responses from 213 employees, replicated those of Study 1, further revealing that the indirect effect of POQ on interpersonal deviant behaviors via hubristic pride is moderated by employees' willingness to establish positive relationships. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings as well as future research directions are discussed.