How and when workplace ostracism influences task performance: Through the lens of conservation of resource theory

Abstract

Drawing upon the conservation of resource (COR) theory, this study examines how workplace ostracism negatively affects task performance by reducing workers' physical strength and emotional energy; it also captures the moderating role of spousal support in the relationship between ostracism, physical strength, and emotional energy. Using matched data from 117 supervisors and 523 of their immediate employees, results indicated that workplace ostracism negatively related to physical strength and emotional energy, which, in turn, decreased task performance. Additionally, spousal support mitigated the harmful impact of workplace ostracism on individual emotional energy, whereas its buffering effect on physical strength was not significant. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

'Being Alone Is More Painful than Getting Hurt': The Moderating Role of Workplace Loneliness in the Association between Workplace Ostracism and Job Performance

“…The second finding of current study is in this vein. The negative correlation between workplace ostracism and job performance is consistent with the findings previously documented in the literature (Baumeister et al, 2002;Feng et al, 2019;Ferris et al, 2015;Xia et al, 2019;Wu et al, 2011).…”

“…Conditions such as weakening psychological health (Hitlan et al, 2006a), mental fatigue, psychological unwillingness and emotional burnout (Ferris, 2008) are expected to negatively affect job performance. The findings of previous studies also suggest that workplace ostracism will negatively affect job performance (de Clercq et al, 2019;Feng et al, 2019;Xia et al, 2019). In light of this information, a negative correlation between workplace ostracism and employee performance is expected.…”

Working in lockdown: the relationship between COVID-19 induced work stressors, job performance, distress, and life satisfaction

“…The struggle between work and home domains is because of his inability to manage the resources (ten Brummelhuis and Bakker 2012 ) as the resources are finite (Becker 1965 ; Goode 1960 ), and it becomes difficult to manage and fulfill the obligations effectively at both work and home with limited resources (Greenhaus and Beutell 1985 ; Halbesleben et al 2009 ). Based upon COR theory, this reduction in employees’ resources, both in terms of physical and emotional, has an impact on the performance of the employees (Xia et al 2019 ). Thus, a professional has been unable to manage both the work and home roles simultaneously.…”

Workplace Ostracism and Counterproductive Work Behaviors among Nurses

“…This phenomenon is named ostracism, which denotes to "the extent to which a nurse perceives that she is excluded or ignored by others. Researchers stated that 66% of workers in the USA have suffered from ostracism at the workplace (Xia et al, 2019).…”