Abstract

Purpose: Self-determination theory has consistently shown that materialism is associated with lower need satisfaction in several domains. However, only a few cross-sectional studies have explored this association in the workplace. In addition, the underlying psychological processes explaining this relationship are not clear enough. Therefore, we extended previous workplace literature by (1) testing a bi-directional prospective negative link between materialism and need satisfaction and (2) exploring the mediational role of gratitude. Design/Methodology: Among a large sample of Chilean workers (N = 725), we used a three-wave cross-lagged design with one month between each wave. Results: First, we found that materialism and need satisfaction reciprocally predict each other over time. In other words, we found that higher materialism prospectively predicts lower need satisfaction and vice-versa. Second, we found that gratitude mediates the link from materialism to need satisfaction as well as the link from need satisfaction to materialism. Limitations: We used self-report measures, a short period of time. Research/Practical Implications: We show that pursuing materialism values reduces gratitude, which in turns decreases need satisfaction, leading back to a decrease in gratitude and an increase in materialism. This process would start a vicious circle for employee’s well-being and companies’ results. Originality/Value: We show for the first time that (1) the link between materialism and BNS may be bi-directional and (2) gratitude mediates the process in both directions.