Peer Abusive Behavior: An Exploratory Study
Research background: Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) refers to repeated wilful and deliberate behavior that damages the organization or its members and goes against the grain of social acceptability. Most of the literature focuses on manager bullying, with only a few hints of coworker intim...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Editura ASE
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Amfiteatru Economic |
| Subjects: | |
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| Summary: | Research background: Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) refers to repeated wilful
and deliberate behavior that damages the organization or its members and goes against the
grain of social acceptability. Most of the literature focuses on manager bullying, with only a
few hints of coworker intimidation.
Purpose of the article: This study examined the implications and consequences of coworker
abuse on CWB, job satisfaction, and well-being. We hypothesized that coworker abusive
behavior will associate positively with CWB; negatively with job satisfaction; negatively
with physical well-being, and; negatively with psychological well-being.
Methods: 206 workers from both the public and private sectors answered questionnaires
regarding abuse at work, CWB, job satisfaction, psychological well-being, and physical
well-being. Coworker abusive behavior was taken from Tepper's (2020) classic
questionnaire. The measure 'counterproductive work behavior' examines the frequency of
inappropriate behaviors, initially used by Bennet and Robinson (2000). Job satisfaction was
measured with the Michigan Organizational Assessment Questionnaire. The questions
relate to work conditions, coworkers, and general satisfaction (Hammond and Bowling,
2008). Physical well-being was measured with Schat, Kelloway, and Desmarais (2005)
Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Physical well-being was measured with the Mental
Health Continuum Short Form (MHC – SF) (Lamers et al., 2011).
Findings and value-added: A positive relationship was found between coworkers' abusive
behavior and CWB, and negative relationships were found between workers' job
satisfaction and both types of well-being, and CWB. We concluded that peer abusive
behavior is detrimental to work-related attitudes and the health of employees exposed to
this behavior. Thus, we suggest that organizations undertake preventive steps to eradicate
coworkers' workplace abuse |
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| ISSN: | 1582-9146 2247-9104 |