A Cross-Cultural Meta-Analytic Investigation of the Prevalence of Workplace Mistreatment

Abstract

This article develops and meta-analytically tests a cross-cultural framework of the prevalence of workplace mistreatment to elucidate the cultural contexts in which mistreatment is most likely to occur. We use Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, short-term/long-term orientation, and indulgence/restraint) and an index of workers’ legal protections to inform predictions about culture and the occurrence of workplace mistreatment. When estimated across all countries, we find that more than 1 in 3 workers experience mistreatment and more than 2 in 5 workers witness mistreatment. In support of our cross-cultural framework, we also find that these prevalence rates vary substantially across geographic regions and are highest among cultures that are more individualistic, masculine, indulgent, short-term-oriented, higher on power distance, and had fewer protections of worker’s rights. We discuss theoretical and practical applications of our findings including ways culture can be used to prevent or mitigate workplace mistreatment.