Facilitation or inhibition? research on the double-edged sword effect of peer abusive supervision on bystander proactive behavior
International Journal of Conflict Management
ISSN: 1044-4068
Article publication date: 28 December 2023
Issue publication date: 28 June 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the Cognitive Appraisal Theory of Stress, this study aims to reveal the mechanism of peer abusive supervision on bystander proactive behavior through two different paths: bystander assertive impression management motivation and bystander defensive impression management motivation. Besides, the moderating effects of bystander uncertainty tolerance on the two paths are also explored.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, 438 employees and their direct leaders from eight Chinese companies were surveyed in a paired survey at three time points, and the empirical data was analyzed using Mplus 7.4 software.
Findings
Peer abusive supervision leads bystanders to develop assertive impression management motivation and, thus, to exhibit more proactive behaviors. At the same time, peer abusive supervision also causes bystanders to develop defensive impression management motivation, which reduces the frequency of performing proactive behaviors. In addition, this study finds that bystander uncertainty tolerance plays a moderating role in influencing bystander assertive impression management motivation and bystander defensive impression management motivation in response to peer abusive supervision.
Originality/value
Starting from the bystander perspective, this study verifies the double-edged sword effect of peer abusive supervision on bystander proactive behavior as well as the mechanism of differentiated effects through cognitive appraisal, which broadens the scope of the research on abusive supervision, and deepens the academic understanding and development of the Cognitive Appraisal Theory of Stress. At the same time, it also provides new ideas for organizations to reduce the negative effects of workplace abusive behavior.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence the work, there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service and/or company that could be construed as influencing the position presented in or the review of the manuscript entitled.
Citation
Chen, H., Wang, J., Bao, J., Zhang, Z. and Li, J. (2024), "Facilitation or inhibition? research on the double-edged sword effect of peer abusive supervision on bystander proactive behavior", International Journal of Conflict Management, Vol. 35 No. 4, pp. 775-795. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCMA-10-2023-0206
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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