An Employee-Supervisor Analysis of Counterproductive Workplace Behaviours as an Outcome of Social Rank

Abstract

While there is support for various individual and contextual predictors of counterproductive workplace behaviour (CWB), little research has examined social rank and CWB. In this research, I examined social rank in terms of social dominance orientation (SDO), and leader dominance and prestige. Using data from a police organization (281 employees and 130 supervisors), I examined the association between employee SDO (time 1) and employee self-and supervisorrated CWB (time 2). I also examined the association between perceived leader dominance and prestige (time 1), and employee self-and supervisor-rated CWB (time 2). Findings indicated that SDO was associated with CWB, and that both servant leadership and perceived social impact moderated this relationship. Findings also indicated that perceived leader dominance and prestige were associated with CWB, via leader trust. Findings contribute to the understanding of CWB as potential outcomes of social rank, highlighting the importance of moderating and mediating variables.