Beyond Stress Relief: How Lower-Than-Expected Challenges Undermine Newcomers’ Multiple Identities and Fuel Their Turnover Intentions

Drawing on identity theory, we propose that lower-than-expected challenge job demands (CJDs) hinder newcomers' identity and adaptation. We found that lower-than-expected CJDs reduce OCB-O and career planning, and increase organizational and professional turnover intentions respectively through organizational and professional identities. Furthermore, supervisor professional support mitigates the path through professional identity.