An examination of serial mediators linking change characteristics with employee change championing behaviors and positive mental health

Researchers have identified a range of organizational change characteristics that influence employees' responses to change. However, most research has examined a small subset of characteristics within a single study. We identify six key change characteristics and develop a model where these characteristics are indirectly related to employee change championing behaviors and positive mental health. Drawing on theory on the antecedents of change readiness, we identify four serial mediators linking change characteristics with outcomes including employees' change beliefs and positive and negative emotions about change, which in turn influence change readiness. In a three‐wave study of 397 Australian employees from multiple organizations, a poor change history and participation in change were indirectly associated with championing behaviors through positive emotions about change and change readiness. Transformational change was indirectly associated with championing through negative emotions about change and change readiness. Change history was indirectly associated with positive mental health through positive emotions about change, change readiness, and championing behaviors. Findings underscore the importance of considering multiple change characteristics and reveal that employees' emotions and change readiness are key mechanisms through which these characteristics shape outcomes. Discussion focuses on ways to manage change characteristics to enhance employee responses during change.