The Effect of Deviant Workplace Behavior on Job Performance: The Mediating Role of Organizational Shame and Moderating Role of Perceived Organizational Support

Abstract

It is not uncommon for employees to engage in deviant workplace behavior. Several studies have been conducted on its antecedent variables and negative effects on the organization and its members. However, the effects on employees’ emotions and behavior have been ignored. According to the affective events theory and framework of organizational shame, this study examined how deviant workplace behavior affects employee performance, explored how organizational shame mediates, and investigated the role of perceived organizational support moderators. This study was completed by 435 Chinese employees in total. The results showed the following. (1) Deviant workplace behavior significantly positively predicted organizational shame and negatively predicted job performance. Organizational shame positively predicted job performance. (2) Organizational shame mediated the relationship between deviant workplace behavior and job performance, and there were gender differences in this mediating role. (3) Perceived organizational support weakened the negative effect of deviant workplace behavior on job performance. As a result, this study proves the applicability of the framework of organizational shame in a Chinese context and provides support for the affective events theory, from the perspective of actors. Furthermore, this study offers insight into how to ameliorate the negative effects of deviant workplace behavior.

Work Training, Workplace Relationships, Workload and Job Performance

“…Moreover, a study by Angulo et al (2023), revealed that favorable organizational policies impact retention. Contrary to preceding discussions, research on the impact of deviant workplace behavior on job performance by Tian & Guo (2023) indicated that perceived organizational support mitigates the negative effects of disruptive workplace behavior on job performance. Similarly, demonstrated that social support in organizations reduces work stress, subsequently leading to increased job performance.…”

“…Expanding on this, research on job environments and job performance demonstrated the positive impact of the work environment on employees' job performance (Yusnita, 2023). Additionally, a study on deviant workplace behavior and job performance underscored the role of organizational support in enhancing job performance (Tian & Guo, 2023). Dealing with irate customers emerges as one of the most challenging situations for customer service and technical support call center agents.…”