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Abusive supervisor triggers counterproductive work behaviors in nursing staff: role of psychological contract breach and Islamic work ethics

Mehak Maqbool (University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan)
Bei Lyu (School of Economics and Management, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China) (Chinese Graduate School, Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand)
Sami Ullah (University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan)
Muhammad Tasnim Khan (University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan)
Ali Zain ul Abeden (Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China)
Mohit Kukreti (University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Ibri, Oman)

Leadership & Organization Development Journal

ISSN: 0143-7739

Article publication date: 23 January 2024

Issue publication date: 29 April 2024

356

Abstract

Purpose

Abusive supervision (AS) provides insights into the darker aspects of leadership behavior and its effects on employees. Understanding and addressing AS can contribute to creating healthier work environments and promoting employee well-being. The effect of abusive leadership (AS) on counterproductive work behaviors (CWB) in nursing staff is examined through the theoretical lens of the social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 302 nursing staff working at public and private hospitals through a self-administered questionnaire. Measurement scales were adapted from the literature and the data were tested for validity and reliability before performing hypotheses testing through structural equation modeling in SmartPLS 4.0.

Findings

AS positively affects CWB, and psychological contract breach mediates this relationship. However, employees with high Islamic work ethics (IWE) are less concerned with supervisors' dysfunctional behaviors and pay less attention to them; thus, IWE buffers the effect of AS on CWBs.

Originality/value

A positive and supportive organizational climate is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals. When healthcare professionals are subjected to abusive behaviors, their ability to share knowledge, adopt safety protocols and provide the best patient care may be hampered. Therefore, addressing AS in hospitals is vital to promoting a positive work environment, enhancing employee well-being and improving patient care.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Major Program of Anhui University Scientific Research Project in China (No. 2023AH040053).

Citation

Maqbool, M., Lyu, B., Ullah, S., Khan, M.T., Abeden, A.Z.u. and Kukreti, M. (2024), "Abusive supervisor triggers counterproductive work behaviors in nursing staff: role of psychological contract breach and Islamic work ethics", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 45 No. 3, pp. 461-477. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-06-2023-0295

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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