When Confidence Calms the Mind: How Self-Efficacy Strengthens Performance Under Incivility

What is it about?

This study explores how employees’ self-efficacy—their confidence in their own ability to perform work tasks—affects job performance, emphasizing the role of job-related anxiety as an explanatory mechanism and workplace incivility as a contextual factor that shapes this link. Grounded in conservation of resources theory, the research argues that employees with strong self-belief experience less anxiety while performing their duties, enabling them to maintain focus and effectiveness even in challenging environments. Based on survey data from employees and supervisors in Pakistan, the findings show that lower anxiety levels explain why self-efficacious employees tend to achieve higher performance outcomes. However, this beneficial pathway becomes more pronounced when employees perceive uncivil behaviors in the workplace—suggesting that confidence acts as a shield against the emotional toll of rudeness and disrespect. In essence, self-efficacy not only supports performance through enhanced competence but also protects employees’ mental well-being amid difficult interpersonal conditions. For organizations, the study highlights the importance of cultivating employees’ self-efficacy to maintain strong performance even when incivility cannot be fully eliminated. Training programs that build confidence, emphasize skill mastery, and provide emotional coping tools can help employees manage anxiety and remain productive despite social frictions at work.

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Photo by Charanjeet Dhiman on Unsplash

Photo by Charanjeet Dhiman on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is unique in revealing how and when self-efficacy improves job performance through reduced anxiety and in showing that workplace incivility intensifies this beneficial dynamic. It extends understanding of self-efficacy beyond its direct motivational benefits by identifying emotional calmness as a central mechanism linking belief in one’s abilities to performance outcomes. The study is timely, as employees in many modern workplaces face increased psychosocial strain and exposure to disrespectful behaviors. By focusing on Pakistani organizations, it provides valuable insights into how self-confidence operates as a critical personal resource in preserving performance and well-being within high-stress work environments.