EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF SUPERVISOR–SUBORDINATE RELATIONSHIPS ON PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of personal relationships beyond the workplace—conceptualized through the Chinese notion of Guanxi—on employee performance in Pakistan. Focusing on supervisor–subordinate Guanxi (SSG), which reflects strong interpersonal ties outside of work, the research explores how these relationships influence employees’ access to job resources, job crafting behaviors, and overall performance. The study conceptualizes SSG as a form of social capital that enhances autonomy, support, and developmental opportunities, encouraging employees to proactively shape their work environment, increase resources, and manage job demands effectively. Data from 300 employee–supervisor dyads in Pakistani organizations were analyzed using multilevel path modeling. Findings indicate that high-quality SSG positively affects job resources and job crafting. Furthermore, job resources mediate the relationship between SSG and job crafting, while job crafting mediates the effect of SSG on both task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. These results underscore the importance of informal supervisor–subordinate relationships in enhancing performance and demonstrate how social connections outside work can shape critical job behaviors and outcomes.