Purpose This study aims to explore the mediating role of work addiction in the association between perceived competitive climate (PCC) and hospitality employees' task performance and family-related social behaviors (FSBs). Design/methodology/approach We conducted a 3-source survey involving 276 employees, 45 supervisors and the employees' spouses from 23 star-rated hotels in Egypt and Morocco. Hypotheses were tested using AMOS and the PROCESS macro. Findings The findings indicate (1) PCC is indirectly and positively correlated with employees' task performance through work addiction, (2) PCC is indirectly and negatively correlated with employees' engagement in FSBs through work addiction and (3) these indirect effects are moderated by trait competitiveness, with both effects becoming stronger at higher levels of trait competitiveness. Practical implications Hotel managers should move beyond generic work-life balance programs, which may fail in high power-distance cultures. We recommend structural interventions, such as mandatory disconnection protocols and family-inclusive rewards, to specifically support high-trait competitive employees. Originality/value We position work addiction as a dual-edged mechanism through which PCC simultaneously drives beneficial organizational outcomes (performance) and detrimental social outcomes (reduced FSBs). By focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region, where family centrality is salient, this study demonstrates how competitive environments spill over into the family domain. Methodologically, using spouse-reported FSBs provides a more objective measure of observable family interactions than traditional self-reported measures of work-family conflict. Our findings offer hospitality organizations specific strategies for designing competitive environments that enhance performance while safeguarding employees' family lives.
Metwally et al. (Sat,) studied this question.