The Double-edged Sword Effect of New Generation Employees' Perceived Overqualification on Job Crafting：A Cross-lagged Study

Abstract This study investigates the intrinsic mechanisms linking perceived overqualification and job crafting, utilizing a longitudinal questionnaire survey. Additionally, it examines the moderating role of job autonomy in this relationship. Employing a multiple time-point measurement approach, the survey comprehensively assessed all variables across three intervals of three months., resulting in the collection of a matched set of 516 valid samples. Cross-lagged and moderated analyses revealed that role-width self-efficacy and job alienation mediated the relationship between perceived overqualification and job crafting Specially, perceived overqualification, measured at the first time point, positively predicted role width self-efficacy and job alienation measured at the second time point. Subsequently, role-width self-efficacy and job alienation, assessed at the second time point, positively and negatively influenced job crafting behaviors, respectively, as measured at the third time point. The moderating effect of job autonomy was not significant in these models. The results of this study highlight the double-edged sword effect of perceived overqualification on job crafting, revealing its multifaceted impacts. Thses insights have significant implications for the development of new generation employee and for improving organizational managemet strategies.