Cross-level Effects of Abusive Supervision Climate

Abstract

We developed and tested a cross-level, mediation model linking abusive supervision climate (ASC) with group-members organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and withdrawal, via the mediating role of anger. Furthermore, we explored moderating effects of group-members agreeableness and neuroticism on the relationships between anger and work behaviors. Based on affective events theory, we hypothesized direct and indirect effects of ASC on group-members’ OCB and withdrawal. Data from 213 employees from 51 workgroups across different organizations and industries in Pakistan generally supported our predictions: anger fully mediated the ASC- withdrawal relationship, and partially mediated the ASC-OCB relationship. Moreover, the negative anger-OCB relationship was stronger among more agreeable employees. Our findings contribute to the research on ASC by demonstrating its cross-level effects on employee behavior, and identifying anger as a critical mechanism that transmits these effects. Further theoretical contr...