Self-Other Balance in Context: A Quiet Ego May Be Meaningful and Adaptive in Latinx/Hispanic Cultures and Work Settings

Abstract

Quiet ego is a relatively novel, increasingly studied, multi-dimensional concept characterized by a compassionate, interdependent worldview and an adaptive balance between self-interest and concern for others. Quiet ego has been associated with a range of characteristics that can promote relationship quality, responding effectively in the face of challenges, and greater well-being. However, it is currently unknown to what extent quiet ego translates across cultures and settings. The present research leverages cultural and organizational theories to evaluate the conceptual and structural validity of quiet ego for Latinx/Hispanic individuals in the U.S. and to examine relationships among quiet ego, work supervisor relationship quality, and goals in the workplace. Employed college student participants ( n = 831; nLatinx/Hispanic = 305) completed an online survey, and collected data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis. Findings confirmed the overall structural model of quiet ego with four primary dimensions (perspective taking, inclusive identity, detached awareness, and growth-mindedness) and indicated that this structure did not differ between Latinx/Hispanic and non-Latinx/Hispanic subsamples. Further, results cohered with the proposed model suggesting that quiet ego might facilitate relationship quality with a workplace supervisor, which, in turn could foster balanced, intrinsically motivating perceptions that one’s work goals benefit both oneself and others (mutual gain motivation). The study suggests that quiet ego may be a construct with meaning and utility in Latinx/Hispanic populations and in employment settings. However, further research is needed, and specific suggestions for future study are discussed.