Failure to drink, failure to launch? A model of the perceived stigma of nondrinkers in the workplace

Abstract

AbstractAlthough drinking alcohol in the workplace is usually prohibited, certain work‐related activities (e.g., happy hours and office parties) might encourage drinking as part of the work socialization process. Cultures with strong drinking norms may even hold expectations for employees to drink as a means to bond with colleagues and clients, resulting in the perception of the stigma of nondrinkers. However, research has yet to examine the influence of strong workplace drinking cultures on employees with drinking restrictions. In this study, we sample participants from South Korea, a country with high workplace drinking norms, to identify the presence of the perceived stigma of nondrinkers (PSND) among employees. We also examine the identity management of individuals' drinking restrictions at work along with organizational factors related to PSND in workplace settings. We find that strong organizational drinking norms and lack of perceived supervisor support are related to greater PSND. High PSND is related to fear of disclosing one's nondrinking status and a greater likelihood of drinking for work functions among nondrinkers. We also identify negative work outcomes related to PSND (higher turnover, lower organizational commitment) and find that organizational commitment mediates the relationship between PSND and turnover intentions. Implications of our findings are discussed.