Reactions to abusive supervision: Examining the roles of emotions and gender in the USA

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

49 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Leanne Atwater
  • Alan Witt
  • Zahir Latheef
  • Kori Callison
  • Teri J. Elkins
  • Dianhan Zheng

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1874-1899
Journal / PublicationInternational Journal of Human Resource Management
Volume27
Issue number16
Online published28 Sept 2015
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Abusive supervision leads to many detrimental outcomes, yet the role of gender and emotions has received little attention. We applied affective events theory to study emotions in a new context. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we tested a conditional process model of the effects of abusive supervision on subordinate work and job withdrawal as mediated by negative emotions and moderated by gender. We found support for our proposed model. Specifically, abusive supervision increased work and job withdrawal via victims’ negative emotional reactions. When negative emotions are low, women are more likely to engage in work withdrawal; when negative emotions are high, men are more likely to do so. Additionally, men experiencing high negative emotions are likely to quit their job.

Research Area(s)

  • abusive supervision, affective events theory, emotional reactions, job withdrawal, work withdrawal

Citation Format(s)

Reactions to abusive supervision: Examining the roles of emotions and gender in the USA. / Atwater, Leanne; Kim, Kyoung Yong; Witt, Alan et al.
In: International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 27, No. 16, 2016, p. 1874-1899.

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