How do self-efficacy, narcissism and autonomy mediate the link between destructive leadership and counterproductive work behaviour

Abstract

Previous research points to the adverse effect of destructive leadership on counterproductive work behaviour (CWB), yet the mechanism by which destructive leadership engenders or aggravates CWB has yet to be thoroughly studied. Drawing on general theories of despotic leadership, CWB and Organisational Behavior, we proposed and tested a model in which self-efficacy, autonomy and narcissism mediate the effect of destructive leadership on CWB. Results of survey data predicated on 845 respondents employed in various Israeli industries indicate that autonomy and self-efficacy attenuate the adverse effect of destructive leadership on CWB, whilst narcissism aggravates self-efficacy’s attenuating impact on CWB. This study sheds further light on the ways in which autonomy, self-efficacy and narcissism shape adverse workplace settings.