Mediating processes in the relationships of abusive supervision with instigated incivility, CWBs, OCBs, and multidimensional work motivation

Abstract

We examined how abusive supervision (AS) affected instigated workplace incivility, counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs), organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), and multidimensional work motivations (MWMs), in line with the Job Demands-Resources Model and Social Exchange Theory. We suggested that employees' identification with their workgroup moderates the link between AS and instigated incivility toward coworkers and that organizational identification partially mediates the association of AS with CWBs and OCBs. Furthermore, we hypothesized positive correlations between AS and external regulation as well as amotivation, consistent with the Self-Determination Theory. Finally, we predicted that job-related affective well-being would fully mediate the link between AS and autonomous work motivations while only partially mediating the link between AS and amotivation. Online surveys were used to collect data from 519 white-collar workers. The data revealed that AS was linked to a higher level of incivility toward coworkers. Furthermore, it was linked to both CWBs and OCBs, both directly and indirectly through organizational identification. Organizational identification mediated the associations between AS and MWMs as well. Finally, job-related affective well-being mediated the links of AS with external regulation, amotivation, and autonomous work motivations. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed as well as suggestions for future research.