Does Supervisor Communication Styles Reduce Cyber loafing? Important Roles of Work Engagement and Psychological Capital

Abstract

Drawing from Conservation of Resources Theory (COR), the current research examined the direct and indirect relationship (PsyCap, work engagement) of perceived supervisor communication styles and cyberloafing. Data from 367 full-time employees working in 64 different firms were collected through a standardized scale. The findings revealed that assertive communication style has a negative relation with cyberloafing while passive and aggressive communication styles have positive associations with cyberloafing. Moreover, PsyCap partially mediates the relationship of supervisor communication styles (assertive, passive and aggressive) and cyberloafing. Additionally, employee work engagement partially mediates the relationship of supervisor communication styles (assertive, passive and aggressive) and cyberloafing. The study suggests that leaders can reduce employee involvement in cyberloafing through effective supervisor communication and intrinsic motivation factors such as PsyCap and work engagement. Limitations, future directions, theoretical contributions and managerial implications are also highlighted.