A relative deprivation perspective of the differentiation of abusive supervision in groups

Abstract

While prior research has found that leaders tend not to abuse subordinates equally, empirical studies exploring the differentiation phenomenon of abusive supervision still remain limited. Drawing on relative deprivation theory, the differentiation of abusive supervision is defined as the two operational indicators of relative abusive supervision and abusive supervision variability according to the dual influence this differentiation imposes on both individuals and groups. How the interactive effect of relative abusive supervision and abusive supervision variability impacts employees’ behaviors is examined and the solution to the abusive supervision differentiation dilemma is explored. The results of a two-wave empirical study including 254 employees from 84 groups demonstrate that focal employee relative abusive supervision negatively influences task performance and organizational citizenship behavior via relative deprivation. This effect is amplified when the group has lower levels of abusive supervision variability. This study contributes to a better understanding of abusive supervision in groups.