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Norm-Violating Behavior in Organizations: A Comprehensive Conceptual Review and Model of Constructive and Destructive Norm-Violating Behavior

  • Rebecca J. Bennett
  • , Bella L. Galperin
  • , Long Wang
  • , Jigyashu Shukla

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

218 Downloads (CityUHK Scholars)

Abstract

Norm violations can not only cause harm but also contribute to the well- being of organizations. During the last several decades, two different foci of research on workplace norm violations have generated a host of empir- ical studies on both constructive and destructive norm-violating behavior (NVB). However, the two closely related bodies of literature have remained in almost complete isolation from each other. Our conceptual review seeks to kindle a new perspective to better understand the general concept of NVB in organizations by combining the bifurcated silos of both construc- tive and destructive NVB. By conducting a systematic literature review of research on workplace NVBs over the past 30 years, we synthesize the major research findings on both constructive and destructive deviance into a general framework and examine the major antecedents, moderators, mediators, and outcomes as they fit within the major theoretical perspectives. Moreover, we study the commonalities of constructive and de- structive NVB, focusing especially on the overlapping and dynamic relationships between the two concepts. To conclude, we propose new lines of inquiry for future research to assist aca- demics and practitioners in understanding and managing different forms of organizational norm violations. © 2024 by the author(s).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)481-507
Number of pages27
JournalAnnual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior
Volume11
Online published29 Nov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Funding

The work described in this paper was substantially supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project No. CityU 11508422) to L.W.

Research Keywords

  • individual differences
  • norm violation
  • workplace deviance

Publisher's Copyright Statement

  • This full text is made available under CC-BY 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

RGC Funding Information

  • RGC-funded

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