Abusive Supervision as Predictor of Perceived Stress and Cyberloafing at Work

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of Internet use in the recent years has led to a growing interest among researchers on cyberloafing behaviors. In general, cyberloafing at work is defined as the employees’ voluntary usage of the Internet for personal purposes. The previous research has shown its link with individual and organizational outcomes. This study in particular examines the effects of abusive supervision and perceived stress on cyberloafing behaviors among employees. In addition, it investigates whether perceived stress mediates this relationship. The sample consisted of 265 employees working at various sectors. They participated in an online survey, and filled out a questionnaire consisting of items that assess abusive supervision, perceived stress and cyberloafing behaviors at workplace. The results showed that abusive supervision positively predicts employees' cyberloafing behaviors It was also revealed that supervisor’s abusive behaviors predict greater levels of perceived stress among employees. However, the experience of stress did not play a mediating role in the relationship between abusive supervision and cyberloafing. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects of leaders’ misbehaviors on employees’ psychological well-being and counterproductive behaviors at work. It also provides suggestions for managing with workplace mistreatment.