From Abusive Supervision to Work Outcomes: The Role of Autonomous and Controlled Motivation

Abstract

Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), we propose and test a model to explain the process by which abusive supervision leads to negative work outcomes. The results of time lagged survey data collected from 306 full-time employees indicate that abusive supervision leads to lower autonomous motivation, higher controlled motivation, and higher amotivation. These motivational states in turn are found to negatively affect employees’ job satisfaction, counterproductive work behaviors, innovative behaviors, and intentions to quit the job. Our findings support the role of motivation as an explanatory mechanism by which abusive supervision negatively affects important employee work outcomes. Practical implications of this study and future research directions are discussed.