The Effect of Workplace Compassion and Emotional Intelligence on Prosocial Behavior: The Mediating Role of Empathy Among Employees in the Water Sector

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of workplace compassion and emotional intelligence on prosocial behavior through the mediating role of empathy among employees in water sector organizations in Cirebon, Indonesia. This study used a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 200 employees selected using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS software to test direct and indirect relationships among variables. The results show that workplace compassion and emotional intelligence have positive and significant effects on prosocial behavior and empathy. Empathy also has a positive and significant effect on prosocial behavior. In addition, empathy significantly mediates the relationships between workplace compassion and prosocial behavior as well as between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior. These findings indicate that emotional and relational factors contribute to the development of supportive and cooperative behavior among employees. Organizations should strengthen compassionate workplace cultures and improve employees’ emotional competencies to encourage teamwork, cooperation, and service effectiveness in the public utility sector. This study integrates workplace compassion and emotional intelligence in one structural model while emphasizing empathy as a mediating variable in explaining prosocial behavior in water sector organizations.