When the bored behave badly (or exceptionally)

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between workplace boredom and voluntary work behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The author integrates multidisciplinary theory and research findings to create a process model to guide researchers and practitioners.

Findings

Extant literature on boredom coping and interest self‐regulation suggests that individuals often find ways to increase stimulation when feeling bored. This paper discusses how such interest enhancement strategies have both harmful and helpful effects on organizations.

Originality/value

This paper explores situational characteristics and individual differences that moderate boredom's effects on counterproductive work behavior and organizational citizenship behavior. A model with testable propositions is provided. Understanding how employees cope with boredom may lead to new insights for increasing motivation and productivity.

Citation

Skowronski, M. (2012), "When the bored behave badly (or exceptionally)", Personnel Review, Vol. 41 No. 2, pp. 143-159. https://doi.org/10.1108/00483481211200006