Facilitation or inhibition? research on the double-edged sword effect of peer abusive supervision on bystander proactive behavior

Bibliographic Data

ID21620187
AuthorsHao Chen (0000-0002-8873-8266, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities), Jiajia Wang (0009-0004-5064-5859, East China University of Science and Technology), Jiaying Bao (0000-0001-9625-685X, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities), Zihan Zhang (0000-0003-0976-1845, Wuhan University), Jingya Li (0000-0002-8561-7397, Ningxia University)
Year2024
Volume35
Issue4
Pages775-795
Publication date2024-06-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Conflict Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1044-4068 • E-ISSN: 1758-8545
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/ijcma-10-2023-0206
OpenAlexW4390234156
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited38

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

Abusive supervision · Assertiveness · Bystander effect · Impression management · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Personality Traits and Psychology · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology