Exploring the multifaceted influences on employee proactive behavior: A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis

In this study we examined the various influences on employee proactive behavior using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of data from 238 employees. We found six configurations linked to high proactive behavior and four configurations linked to low proactive behavior, showing that no single factor fully explained this variable, and revealing causal asymmetry. Thus, proactive behavior was not determined by just one set of conditions. Our research is innovative, as our application of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis offers a detailed view of the conditions influencing proactive behavior, emphasizing the nonlinear and asymmetric relationships between factors. The results also enhance understanding of the occurrence mechanism of proactive behavior, and provide practical insights for organizations looking to promote this behavior in their employees.