What is Perceived Organizational Support?
Perceived Organizational Support (POS) refers to the degree to which employees believe that their organization values their contributions and cares about their well-being. Essentially, it is the perception that the organization is committed to meeting the socioemotional needs of its employees, such as support in personal matters, recognition, and fair treatment.
The concept of POS is rooted in Organizational Support Theory, which was developed by Eisenberger and Rhoades. According to this theory, employees form perceptions about the level of support they receive from their employer based on various factors, including:
Benefits: Availability of health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and other essential perks.
Fair Treatment: Whether employees feel they are treated equally and fairly in the workplace.
Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledgment of employees' hard work, achievements, and contributions.
When employees perceive that their organization supports them, they are more likely to feel valued and engaged. This has several benefits for the organization, including:
Increased Employee Motivation: Employees who feel supported are generally more motivated to perform well and contribute to the company's success.
Enhanced Organizational Commitment: Positive perceptions of support can lead to greater loyalty and commitment, making employees less likely to leave the organization.
Higher Job Satisfaction: When employees believe their well-being is a priority for the organization, it boosts job satisfaction, leading to a more positive work environment.
Improved Productivity: A workforce that feels valued is more likely to be productive, as they are motivated to contribute their best work.
In contrast, a lack of perceived support can result in negative outcomes such as low morale, disengagement, high turnover rates, and a lack of motivation.