How Do Self-Efficacy, Narcissism and Autonomy Mediate the Link Between Destructive Leadership and Counterproductive Work Behaviour

Abstract

Previous research has pointed to the adverse effect of destructive leadership (DL) on counterproductive work behaviour (CWB), yet the mechanism by which DL engenders or aggravates CBW is not fully understood. Drawing on theories of despotic leadership, CBW and OB in general, we proposed and tested a model in which self-efficacy, autonomy and narcissism mediate the effect of DL leadership on CBW. Results of survey data predicated on 845 respondents employed in various Israeli industries indicate that autonomy and self-efficacy attenuate the adverse effect of DL on CWB, whilst narcissism aggravates self-efficacy's moderating impact on CWB. This study sheds further light on the ways in which autonomy, self-efficacy and narcissism shape adversative workplace settings.