Speaker: Hong Deng, Nottingham University Business School, Ningbo
Topic: Beyond the Surface: Interpreting the True Meaning of Mediators and Moderators in OBHR Research
Date and Time: Friday, December 27, 2024, 9:00-10:15 AM
Host: Fuli Li, Xi’an Jiaotong University
Language: Chinese
Platform: Zoom (No recording available)
Registration Link: https://www.xcdsystem.com/iacmr/forms/index.cfm?ID=C3kt1qm

Abstract

A familiar pattern of models has been around in our field: mediators, moderators, and their various combinations have become the go-to elements for developing research models in OBHR. With the prevalence of this “template” of research models, there’s a growing tendency among some young scholars to view them as mere checkboxes for ensuring research contribution. “Add a mediator here, insert a moderator there, and voilà – you have a publishable paper!” But is this really what drives impactful research?

In this talk, I’ll dive beneath the surface of these common research frameworks to uncover their true essence. I’ll explain why it is a superficial approach using mediators and moderators simply because they’re expected (or statistically significant), and instead explore how these tools should emerge naturally from compelling research questions. Through an examination of a few published works, I’ll dissect successful research models to understand what makes them meaningful – not just methodologically sound, but theoretically rich and practically relevant. The power of mediators and moderators lies not in their mere presence, but in their ability to illuminate complex organizational phenomena. Successful researchers identify these variables not through methodological convenience, but through deep theoretical understanding and practical insight. The goal of this session is help young scholars gain a fresh perspective on developing research models that don’t just follow the template, but genuinely advance our understanding of interesting OBHR questions.

Speaker’s bio

Hong Deng is a professor at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Her research interests include self-regulation at work, employee-organization relationships, newcomer socialization, and work design. Hong’s work has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Psychology, Journal of Management, American Psychologist, and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. She currently serves as an Associate Editor for Personnel Psychology.