EMBEDDEDNESS: THE NEXUS OF LEARNED NEEDS, CONSCIENTIOUSNESS, AND INFORMAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OTHERS

This research examines the relationship between the dimensions of McClelland’s Theory of needs (i.e., needs for power, achievement, and affiliation), conscientiousness, embeddedness, and informal accountability for others. This study’s aim is to enhance organizational research by demonstrating the mediating effects of embeddedness, on the relationship between conscientiousness, learned needs, and informal accountability for others. The research tests hypotheses using data collected from 187 working adults in the Southeastern United States. Findings indicated that embeddedness mediates, at least in part, the relationship between conscientiousness, achievement, power and affiliation needs and informal accountability for others. The paper concludes with a discussion of managerial implications, the study’s relevant strengths, limitations and directions for future research.