How and when perceived COVID-19 crisis disruption triggers employee work withdrawal behavior: The role of perceived control and trait optimism

Abstract

While existing research has investigated the negative impact of COVID-19 on employee work-related behaviors, it remains unclear how and when perceived COVID-19 crisis disruption increases employee work withdrawal behavior. Drawing on event system theory, this study aims to explore the relationship between perceived COVID-19 crisis disruption and employee work withdrawal behavior by shedding light on the mediating role of perceived control and the moderating role of trait optimism. An analysis of three waves of survey data involving 313 employees demonstrated that perceived COVID-19 crisis disruption triggered work withdrawal behavior by reducing employees' perceived control. Additionally, trait optimism weakened the mediating effect of perceived control on the association between perceived COVID-19 crisis disruption and work withdrawal behavior. This research contributes to our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on employee behavior, emphasizes the role of trait optimism in moderating such effects, and provides practical implications for mitigating employee withdrawal behavior during crisis events.