Abstract
Organizations that are adaptive, diverse, and socially responsible are often built by Tempered Radicals (TRs) who implement positive change. These TRs are insider activists who serve as the catalysts for incremental constructive changes within their organization. Little is known about what motivates such individuals. To better understand their motives, we conduct two studies encompassing four samples (N = 1009) from the U.S. In Study 1a-c, we develop and validate a measure of TR motives. The findings support its multidimensionality as a measure as well as its nomological validity. In Study 2, based on the literature on TRs and the proactive motivation model, we hypothesize a model in which the relationships among proactive personality, leader-member exchange, TR motives, and three relevant work outcomes are examined. Using a two-wave survey study design, we find support for the proposed hypotheses. These findings carry implications for practice and future research.